Tri-series: Bangladesh v Sri Lanka Preview

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka renew hostilities at Mirpur a few days after the latter’s disastrous loss against Zimbabwe. 

The Zimbabweans take a break, as the three-nation tournament pits the sub-continental teams against each other at a venue that recently hosted its 100th ODI.

Bangladesh will get the chance to belatedly celebrate the landmark fixture at the country’s flagship venue, while Sri Lanka need to bounce back from defeat to Zimbabwe.

Bangladesh v Sri Lanka | Friday, 19 January | Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur | 8:00

To Win Match
Bangaldesh 92/100 | Tie 35/1 | Sri Lanka 92/100  

Bangladesh
The hosts were unable to enjoy a century of ODIs at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, which was instead contested between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe on Wednesday. Friday, then, is the chance for the home side to formally acknowledge the longevity of the venue, albeit belatedly.

They will probably look to experiment less, with two spinners opening the bowling unlikely this time. All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is expected to bat at three in the order again, though.

Fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman will know he will need to vary his pace a lot. As quick as he is, his slower balls are pretty effective – and at least one an over is a must in Mirpur.

As always, seamer Mashrafe Mortaza will be key with the ball and opener Tamim Iqbal with the bat – and Al Hasan with both. Bangladesh don’t necessarily have an over-reliance on the trio, but their collective contribution on the day is almost more important than the yield of the other eight.

Bangladesh will be up against former coach and new Sri Lanka boss Chandika Hathurusingha. His replacement, Richard Halsall, was spot on in stating that Hathurusingha can’t take wickets or score runs, so effectively shouldn’t be revered too much.

Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s decision to employ a performance psychologist is working well enough for now, as their mental game was more on point than usual despite to Zimbabwe earlier this week. That result could just as easily have gone the other way.

The fact that all-rounder Thisara Perera, who was recently deposed of the captaincy, and new Test vice-captain Suranga Lakmal were at the crease for some of those tight closing throes spoke volumes of Sri Lanka’s fight.

The correct people are stepping up at the right time, even if not in their primary roles, and the initial signs for a stronger 2018 – compared to a dire limited-overs campaign in 2017 – are evident. That loss to Zimbabwe will hurt, but swift response beckons.

They’ll obviously be in for a staunch test against Bangladesh, but have a strong head-to-head record to draw on. The Lions, indeed, have lost only five of their 41 ODIs against the Tigers.

Wet weather shouldn’t interfere with Friday’s showdown, with no rain and a high of 23 degrees Celsius predicted. Humidity characteristic of the region will make for a taxing additional element to the fixture, too.

Verdict: Bangladesh 92/100
Sri Lanka are getting there, scraping back some of their former glory in ODI and T20I cricket. But that’s a long road, which won’t end just yet as Bangladesh swoop for top spot in the three-team standings.