Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: 3rd ODI Preview

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka lock horns in the third and final ODI of the three-match series on March 18th. The series stands poised at 1-1 and both the teams will head to Chattogram for the decider. As both teams have won one match apiece, both the victories have come while chasing. It would be interesting to see if the toss factor plays a major role in the third ODI. 

The second ODI swung like a pendulum between the two sides. Batting first, Bangladesh’s hope of winning was uplifted by Towhid Hridoy’s 96. They posted a feel-good target of 286 for Sri Lanka to chase. During the chase, the Lankan top order collapsed and they were reeling at 43 for three. Thanks to the partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka emerged victorious by three wickets and 17 balls to spare.

Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium Pitch Report

The pitch looks flat but has some meek cracks which might help the spinners. The batters tend to play the patience ploy here, as batting in the middle overs turns out to be difficult. Spinners can halt the momentum of the game. The average first innings score is around 226 and to be in contention, the teams have to cross the 300-crore mark.

BAN vs SL Probable Playing XI

Bangladesh:

Bangladesh were in a comfortable spot of sealing the series in the last match. They paved that way by dismantling the Sri Lankan top order, but the fact that the next breakthrough came after a tedious 30 overs draught shows their faults in executions. Litton Das has been released from the team to play in Dhaka Premier League. Jaker Ali has replaced him in the Bangladesh squad.

Also read: BAN vs SL: Hamstring injury forces Dilshan Madushanka's ouster from remaining fixtures

Predicted XI: Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

Sri Lanka:

After missing out on the Matheesha Pathirana due to injury, Sri Lanka’s pace battery is further dented by the hamstring injury of Dilshan Madushanka. Madushanka has been ruled out of the final ODI and will undergo further medical scrutiny. They are potentially left with no backup pacer. Kamindu Mendis could be drafted into playing XI owing to his all-rounding abilities.

Predicted XI: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (c/ wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Lahiru Kumara.

BAN vs SL Head-to-Head Record in ODIs:

BAN vs SL, 3rd ODI Broadcast Details: