Bangladesh and Sri Lanka renew their fierce rivalry at Mirpur just days after Sri Lanka’s tough defeat against Zimbabwe.
The Zimbabwe team takes a short break, leaving the spotlight on this intense sub-continental battle at a ground that recently celebrated its 100th One Day International (ODI) match.
Bangladesh is set to belatedly celebrate this milestone at their premier stadium, the Shere Bangla National Stadium, while Sri Lanka aims to bounce back strongly from their recent loss.
Match Details:
Bangladesh v Sri Lanka | Friday, 19 January | Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur | 8:00 PM
Winning Odds
Bangladesh 92/100 | Tie 35/1 | Sri Lanka 92/100
Bangladesh Preview
The hosts missed the landmark 100th ODI celebration on Wednesday, which was contested between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. Now, Friday presents the perfect opportunity for Bangladesh to honour the longevity of their cherished venue.
This time around, Bangladesh might dial back on experimentation. For instance, opening the bowling with two spinners looks unlikely. Key all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is expected to slot in at number three in the batting order once again.
Fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman will have to mix up his pace creatively. His slower deliveries have proven deadly effective, especially at Mirpur, where one slower ball per over could be a game-changer.
As ever, seamer Mashrafe Mortaza’s skills with the ball, opener Tamim Iqbal’s batting, and Al Hasan’s dual skills will be pivotal. While not wholly reliant on these three, their contributions often outweigh the others on match day.
Bangladesh will be facing their former coach and the new Sri Lankan head coach Chandika Hathurusingha. His successor Richard Halsall rightly mentioned that while Hathurusingha can’t bowl or bat to decide games, he shouldn’t be overly glorified.
Sri Lanka Preview
Sri Lanka’s recent hiring of a performance psychologist seems to be paying dividends, with their mental resilience markedly improved despite the close loss to Zimbabwe earlier this week—a result that could have easily swung their way.
All-rounder Thisara Perera, who recently stepped down from captaincy, and newly appointed Test vice-captain Suranga Lakmal stood firm in the tense final moments, showcasing the team’s fighting spirit.
The right players are stepping up at crucial times, even if not in their usual roles, signalling hope for a much-improved 2018 ODI and T20I season compared to a disappointing 2017.
The upcoming battle against Bangladesh will be tough, but Sri Lanka can lean on a strong historical head-to-head record, having lost only five out of 41 ODIs against the Tigers.
Weather conditions look favourable with no rain forecast and a pleasant high of 23°C expected. The typical humidity will add an extra layer of challenge for the players on the field.
Final Verdict: Bangladesh 92/100
Sri Lanka is gradually clawing back their former ODI and T20I prowess, but it’s a journey far from complete. Bangladesh looks poised to clinch the top spot in this three-team tournament with a commanding performance.
