Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will play the second ODI of the three-match series at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Friday, March 15. Bangladesh must make the most of the opportunities and not let Sri Lanka roll them over like minnows.
Bangladesh have a well-balanced outfit. They can challenge their opponents in all three departments of the game: batting, bowling and fielding. On the other hand, Sri Lanka will rely upon their batters. They can either get them off to a good start while setting up a big total or help them do the same while chasing it.
Both teams’ bowlers will be looking forward to the pitch in this game. While Bangladesh has enough spinners to extract something from this surface, Sri Lanka know it is challenging. Both teams will be keen on putting up a good show for the spectators who turn up.
Predicted Teams
Bangladesh: Litton Das (wk), Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
Sri Lanka: Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (c and wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pramod Madushan, Lahiru Kumara, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka.
Key Players
Soumya Sarkar (Bangladesh): Southpaw Soumya Sarkar has to step up and take responsibility for getting his team off to a good start. Sarkar is a highly flamboyant cricketer, famous for his decisive shot-making. He must ensure he does not throw his wicket away after getting off to a good start.
Sadeera Samarawickrama (Sri Lanka): Sadeera Samarawickrama is one of the most experienced players in the Lankan lineup. His team will need him to perform well in the middle order. He cannot afford to mess things up while playing spin and needs to take responsibility for his team’s big total on the board.
Match Prediction
Despite Bangladesh hosting this series, Sri Lanka have a massive advantage over them. We expect Sri Lanka to compete on an equal footing with the hosts in this game and beat them comfortably. Although Bangladesh have many top-quality players, they cannot challenge Sri Lanka’s superiority.
