BAN v SL, Tri-series, 3rd ODI Preview: An upbeat Bangladesh locks horns with the delirious Lankans

The first game of this series provided no surprise as Bangladesh emerged victorious. But Zimbabwe winning the second game was unexpected. This really opens up the Tri-series and all the sides have a fair shot at winning the title. Whilst Bangladesh won their only game, Zimababwe registered a win and a defeat in two games.

Sri Lanka on the other hand look very vulnerable. The transition phase which commenced way back in 2014 is still continuing and they don’t look competent by any stretch of imagination. Zimbabwe showed great character to defeat them and to be fair, Bangladesh is a much better side. A cracker of a contest is on cards for all the neutrals and definitely, this series might earn more viewership than what was expected.

Playing Combinations

Bangladesh

Tamim Iqbal and Anamul Haque will open the innings, with their talismanic cricketers Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim following up. Nasir Hossain and Sabbir Rahman are two other wonderful talents in the middle order. Skipper Mashrafe Mortaza will lead the bowling attack alongside Rubel Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman. Sunzamul Islam and Nasir Hossain will take care of the spin department.

Probable XI: Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim(wk), Mahmudullah, Nasir Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Mashrafe Mortaza(c), Sunzamul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman

Sri Lanka

With Kusal Perera and Upul Tharanga opening the innings they have Kusal Mendis coming in at number three. Skipper Angelo Mathews will follow next and the other big names in the middle order include Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella, Asela Gunaratne and Thisara Perera.

The fast bowling department will be headed by Suranga Lakmal. Thisara Perera and Mathews will accompany in the seam department. With some excellent spinners like Akila Dananjaya and Lakshan Sandakan, they look a decent enough side to turn things around.

Probable XI: Kusal Perera, Upul Tharanga, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews(c), Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella(w), Asela Gunaratne, Thisara Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Akila Dananjaya, Lakshan Sandakan

Focus will be on

Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh)

One of their greatest ever batsmen, Tamim Iqbal needs no introduction in the fraternity. Much adored and respected by his country fans, he delivers whenever his side needs him. He has been in decen nick these days and he got a wonderful fifty in the first game against Zimbabwe. It’ll be interesting to see if he can help his side step a little more closer to the finale.

Upul Tharanga (Sri Lanka)

One of the few players in their side who has been in good form, Upul Tharanga can really come in handy on Friday. He had a fantastic 2017 and was one of the few consistent performers in the side. He needs some support to move forward right now. Matches cannot be won all alone, but he is one player their fans would be banking on to score big.

Stat Attack

31 – Anamul Haque needs 31 runs to complete 1,000 ODI runs

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