Sri Lanka take on Bangladesh in the first ODI at Colombo on 26th of this month (Saturday) and apart from runs and wickets, the series is expected to throw some other things too! For Bangladesh, it’s a test of depth and resilience which their batsmen need to stand up to get the all-important ranking points and try to regain momentum in the ODIs. For Sri Lanka, it’s a golden opportunity to assert dominance at home, to bolster their bench, and to gather momentum in their evolution under new captaincy.

Sri Lanka, captained by Charith Asalanka, are a spin-heavy side, as befits home conditions. Their bowling resources, which include the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage are well equipped to make the most of the slow turners on offer in Colombo. The top order, featuring Avishka Fernando and Pathum Nissanka, will be expected to give them fast starts, while Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama offer experience in the middle.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, will be captained by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and are backing a new-look squad that blends returning names and fresh talent. Litton Das returns to the side, while young batters like Tanzid Hasan and Towhid Hridoy offer aggressive options at the top. With a pace trio of Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib, supported by spin from Mehidy and Tanvir Islam, the Tigers will need to fire on all cylinders to challenge the hosts.

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Under the Searing Colombo Sun, Two Nations Clash for Pride, Momentum, and World Cup Relevance

The humid Colombo weather and dry pitches mean spin will play a big role, especially in the middle overs. Bangladesh’s methods of rotating strike and keeping their nerve against Sri Lanka’s bowlers can still be the difference in tight endings, though. With qualification scenarios hanging in the balance even on the down low, each win matters.

Sri Lanka appear a much better balanced side at home and may win the series 2-1. But if Bangladesh play well at the beginning and negotiate the conditions early, an upset will come. Look forward to a narrow, absorbing tussle between two fanatical cricketing sides – one in pursuit of ascendancy and the other revival.

Probable Playing XIs  :