Sri Lanka will be desperate for a comeback when they square off against Bangladesh in the second and penultimate ODI of the series at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, Mirpur, on Tuesday, 25 May.
Bangladesh lead the series after registering a comprehensive 33-run victory over the visitors in the first ODI. They now sit at fourth place in the Super League points table, while Sri Lanka, losing four and winning none, is placed at the bottom.
Ahead of the series, Sri Lanka’s team management signalled their intention of moving over the experienced players who have brought no good to the team. They dropped Test skipper Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, and Lahiru Thirimanne.
The young guns, however, faltered in their first attempt, failing to mow down a target of 258 set by the opponents. Danushka Gunathilaka and Mathews were undone within the first eight overs, Pathum Nissanka got out cheaply, and more wickets in quick succession derailed their chase.
Wanindu Hasaranga’s 60-ball 74 was a heroic effort, but it was not enough to edge past the total, especially after the top six combined just over 100 runs.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, have had ample positives from the first game. Tamim Iqbal seamlessly transitioned his Test form to the limited-overs format, starting things off with a measured half-century. His innings laid the foundation for Mushfiqur Rahim and and Mahmudullah.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed four dismissals, while Mustafizur Rahman's comeback match yielded him three wickets. Mustafizur suffered a minor cramp in the opening game, but he was optimistic to play the second.
Alhamdulillah, happy for the victory. Suffered from a cramp, but I’m hopeful of playing the next game. Keep me in your prayers. 👊🏻🇧🇩 pic.twitter.com/WMUbdsLNzk
— Mustafizur Rahman (@Mustafiz90) May 23, 2021
Head to Head
Sri Lanka leads with 39-8 scoreline.
Probable XIs
Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal (c), Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mohammad Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman
Sri Lanka: Niroshan Dickwella, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Perera (c & wk), Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Isuru Udana, Lakshan Sandakan, Dushmantha Chameera