In the wake of their exhilarating 2-1 victory in the Twenty20 International (T20I) Series against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka braces itself for a high-octane showdown in a three-match One Day International (ODI) Series commencing today at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.
With the ODI Series looming, Sri Lanka aims not only to extend their winning streak against Bangladesh but also to seek redemption for their prior defeat in the last ODI encounter during the ICC World Cup 2023.
Displaying resilience and tenacity in the recently concluded T20I series, Sri Lanka overcame a setback in the second match to secure the series with triumphs in the first and third games.
In the midst of preparations, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Chief Selector Upul Tharanga announced the inclusion of Lahiru Kumara to the ODI Squad, following Asitha Fernando's sidelining due to an injury. Additionally, Kamindu Mendis joins the squad, replacing Shevon Daniel.
Sri Lanka enters the series fresh off a triumphant three-match ODI home series against Afghanistan in February. Pathum Nissanka emerged as the standout performer, accumulating 346 runs, setting a record for the highest run tally by a Sri Lankan in a three-match ODI series.
Despite missing the T20I series due to a hamstring injury sustained during the home series, Nissanka is poised to make his mark in the upcoming ODI fixtures.
As Sri Lanka carries the momentum of their T20I series triumph, Bangladesh endeavors to leverage the advantage of playing on home turf.
Bangladesh's seven-year unbeaten streak in home ODI series concluded last year, marred by a 2-1 series defeat to England in March. Subsequently, the Tigers suffered setbacks in ODI series against Afghanistan and New Zealand at home.
Leading the team in ODIs for the first time as permanent skipper on Wednesday, Shanto expressed determination for Bangladesh to rebound from their disappointing home ODI results in 2023.
