Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 1st ODI: Preview, predictions, likely XIs

For a time period the World Cup, however small, Bangladesh were touted as probables for a semi-final spot. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, were almost never considered in the hunt. However, as things turned out, The Lions finished sixth in the tournament, two places above The Tigers.

However, a lot of things have changed as both sides take field to resume life after the World Cup. To begin with, Sri Lanka started by picking 22 men (!) for three ODIs before reducing the count to 17 even before the series started – surely something unprecedented in international cricket.

The match, however, will be the swansong for Lasith Malinga, the man who revolutionised the concept of bowling at the death and led Sri Lanka to their last ICC Trophy till date. With Angelo Mathews back in business, Kusal Perera blasting away at the top, and Avishka Fernando announcing himself in spectacular fashion, the batting does not look as brittle as it used to sometime back.

Bangladesh have lost Mashrafe Mortaza and Mohammad Saifuddin to injuries, while Shakib Al Hasan and Liton Das have opted out citing personal reasons. The onus is now on the other seniors – stand-in captain Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mustafizur Rahman, while the tour will also be an excellent opportunity for the replacements to prove their mettle.

Head to head

Sri Lanka hold a 36-7 advantage, and at home that goes up to 15-2. However, Bangladesh have managed a 3-3 head-to-head in the last 6 decided matches.

Starting XIs

Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Kusal Perera (wk), Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Shehan Jayasuriya, Thisara Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Pradeep.

Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal (c), Soumya Sarkar, Mohammad Mithun, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman.

Prediction

Sri Lanka to win a tight match.