Bangladesh and Sri Lanka settle the series in a day match decider on Monday. James Richardson previews.
Bangladesh v Sri Lanka – Third ODI
Monday 18 March 2024 – 06:00
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium
Sri Lanka’s big players stepped up to secure a series-levelling win in the second ODI to make the final match decisive.
Both sides should now be familiar with the conditions at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.
To Win Match
Bangladesh 14/10 | Tie 25/1 | Sri Lanka 57/100
For Bangladesh, Towhid Hridoy has been the star of this bilateral series with the bat and looks like the Tigers’ batsman who is most likely to put up some big numbers.
This series has also been a good one for the Bangladesh pacemen in particular Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam who have been their most impactful players with the ball in hand.
Najmul Hossain Shanto will feel that he missed out on a good start in the second ODI and will be determined to influence the match more in the decider.
Bangladesh might choose to drop Taijul Islam in favour of a spinner more likely to turn a match.
Sri Lanka may have felt they were staring down the barrel after Bangladesh got away to a good start in the second ODI but Wanindu Hasaranga made a timely return to form to pull them back and when he is on a roll he is a very dangerous spinner.
Pathum Nissanka might also feel that his runs came in a timely fashion for both himself and Sri Lanka.
With Nissanka and Charith Asalanka in good form, Sri Lanka is a different prospect in white-ball cricket.
Given the nature of the pitch, Sri Lanka’s Dilshan Madushanka will be a key bowler in the decider.
Verdict: Sri Lanka 57/100
The game should be closer than the betting suggests but the visitors are well-placed to snatch the series away.
