Bangladesh will look to keep the series alive when they take on Sri Lanka in the second ODI at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Saturday, aiming to bounce back from a disappointing 77-run defeat in the first match.
The Tigers’ batting collapse in the middle overs, triggered by Wanindu Hasaranga’s four-wicket haul, exposed the vulnerabilities of a right-hand heavy middle order, and the team management is considering changes to address this imbalance.
Sources indicate that Shamim Hossain, the left-handed batter, is in contention for a place in the middle order to break the sequence of right-handers and counter Sri Lanka’s spin threat.
Bangladesh, however, will be without head coach Phil Simmons for this crucial match, as he went to London for a medical appointment, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed on Friday. Simmons is expected to return to Sri Lanka on 7 July.
Tanzid Hasan, who top-scored with 62 in the first match, admitted the need for set batters to play long innings.
“I don’t think I played well. I didn’t fulfill the team’s requirements. If I had fulfilled that, then I would have said that I played well. But there is a chance to make a comeback. It’s a three-match series. One match is done. The next one is important. If we can make a comeback, then Inshallah, we will still be in the series,” Tanzid said ahead of the match.
“Look, we were building a good partnership. We were a bit unfortunate because they took a brilliant catch, and then the run-out happened. That was a turning point. If we could have added 30-40 more runs, the match would have been much easier,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, buoyed by their dominant performance, will aim to seal the series with a game in hand. Head coach Sanath Jayasuriya, however, emphasised the importance of maintaining focus.
Sri Lanka’s spinners were instrumental in their first win, but the team might consider adding more spin options. Dunith Wellalage, who was the 12th man in the first ODI, could come into the side to strengthen the spin attack, possibly replacing pace-bowling all-rounder Milan Rathnayake.
Sri Lanka will also monitor the fitness of their fast bowlers, with Lahiru Kumara missing the first game due to injury. With a viral fever circulating in the camp, the team will finalise their XI after assessing the players’ conditions on match day.
The pitch is expected to offer more spin compared to the first ODI, making it crucial for batters to adjust and build innings. The hot and humid Colombo weather will again test the fitness of both sides.
For Bangladesh, it is a must-win game to keep the series alive, while Sri Lanka will be keen to continue their upward trajectory under Jayasuriya’s watch and secure another series win at home.
Courtesy: Daily Sun.
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