Sri Lanka will tour Bangladesh in a three-match ODI series set to begin on May 23. All the 50 over matches will be played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka. Sri Lanka is going with a new-look team with a new captain Kusal Perera to lead the side.
Squad
Kusal Perera has been named the new captain for the 50- over format of the game. With Kusal Mendis recalled and made vice-captain. Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, and Dinesh Chandimal have been dropped as part of a major shake-up of Sri Lanka's ODI team which has been on the wane in recent years.
Sri Lanka Squad
Kusal Perera (C), Kusal Mendis (VC), Danushka Gunathilaka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Pathum Nissanka, Dasun Shanaka, Ashen Bandara, Wanindu Hasaranga, Isuru Udana, Akila Dananjaya, Niroshan Dickwella, Dushmantha Chameera, Ramesh Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Lakshan Sandakan, Chamika Karunaratne, Binura Fernando, Shiran Fernando
The Bangladesh management is yet to name their squad for the upcoming series and will be something to keep a lookout for. But should see their usual array of personnel, with Tamim Iqbal resuming captain duties, joining him will be the established names such as Soumya Sarkar, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim. Taskin Ahmed will be tasked to lead the bowling attack alongside Mustafizur Rahman and Rubel Hossain.
Bangladesh Squad
Yet to be announced.
Schedule
The Sri Lankan limited overs team is set to begin their tour with a practice match on May 21 with the match set to take place in Savar. After which the three-match ODI series will commence on May 23, with the second ODI on May 25 and the third ODI on May 28. All three ODIs to be played will be Day and Night ODIs.
Previous head to head series
The two teams have met previously at the end of April for a two-match test series in which the Lankans ran out victors winning the series 1-0. The previous ODI series played between the two teams was in July 2019, with the Lankans claiming commanding victories in all three ODIs that took place in Colombo.
A total of 48 ODIs have been played between the two teams so far, with the Tigers winning only 7 of them. Boasting a win percentage of 81.25%, Sri Lanka clearly had the upper hand in the previous years.
How did the teams fare in their respective last outings?
In the last ODI series played, The Lankans were thrashed by West Indies 3-0. While the Tigers also faced a similar fate by the Kiwis in a three-match ODI series. The decrease in quality over the years in Sri Lankan cricket was on display as they took on the West Indies, while on the other hand, the Tigers were clear underdogs in their fight against the Kiwis
The Bangladesh cricket team is the better-ranked team between the two, with Sri Lankans ranking just the 9th best team in ODIs, while the Tiger’s are ranked at 7th, With a rating of 90, a 3-0 win will bring them closer to 6th place Pakistan.
While Sri Lanka with a 79 rating will try to overcome 8th ranked West Indies possessing an 82 rating. Losing would not have as many consequences, as they are already the 2nd worst-ranked ODI team among the Test-playing nations.
Series Prediction
With a new-look side, the Sri Lankan management is clearly trying to change things around and bring back the glory of old. But it will be too much to ask for from this young crop of players who are devoid of match experience. With time on their side, this series can be a stepping stone for many.
While on the other hand, Bangladesh boasts a much better set of players with enough game experience, giving them the upper hand in this upcoming series. Boasting better form between the two sides, Bangladesh clearly will be bullish on their chances.
Let us know your comments on who do you think is going to win the three-match ODI series and what should the respective cricketing boards look to improve.
