Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI Tips & Preview – The Lankans Aim For Glory In ODI Series After T20I Success Against Bangladesh

By Nikhil Kalro

12 Mar 2024

Nikhil Kalro 12 Mar 2024

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Bangladesh depend on their BPL stars in the upcoming ODI against Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka brings a superior bowling attack, promising an exciting contest with Bangladesh's batting lineup.
The ODI is crucial for Bangladesh to counter recent home-field challenges and for Sri Lanka to continue their momentum from their series win against Afghanistan.

Sri Lanka's players celebrate after their victory against Bangladesh in the third T20I. (Getty Images)

Bangladesh face Sri Lanka in the 1st ODI after a tense T20I series, with Bangladesh needing their BPL stars to shine and Sri Lanka showing signs of rebuilding.

Bangladesh Need BPL Heroes To Sustain Good Form
Sri Lanka - On The Road Towards Rebuilding
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI – Tips and Predictions

Sri Lanka’s 2-1 win in the T20I series sets us up for a fascinating three-match duel as the focus shifts to the 50-over format. Bangladesh are under unusually more pressure than they’re used to at home, having lost to Afghanistan and New Zealand.

The last time they lost two back-to-back home ODI series was 13 years ago. Sri Lanka are coming in on the back of a 3-0 whitewash over Afghanistan, and are clearly the form team.

Bangladesh Need BPL Heroes To Sustain Good Form

Soumya Sarkar was among their shining lights in the T20Is, as was Jaker Ali. But crucially, the middle order of Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim, all of whom had sensational BPL seasons, need to once again stand up and deliver.

Remember, they don’t have Shakib Al Hasan, who is out with an eye condition, and Tamim Iqbal, who is retired.

Sri Lanka - On The Road Towards Rebuilding

They won just two matches in a dismal World Cup campaign. Kusal Mendes, who led them there, has retained his job and has since seen a side in transition beat Zimbabwe 2-0 and Afghanistan 3-0. The selection panel has been revamped, a few senior players, like Angelo Mathews, are back and there appears to be a sense of eerie familiarity within the group that seemed missing even six months ago.

Their bowling attack, too, wears a superior look with all of Wanindu Hasaranga, Mahesh Theekshana and Dilshan Madushanka fit and ready to start. Into the mix now for the first time since the World Cup is fast bowler Lahiru Kumara, who adds more firepower. So it’s clearly a clash between Sri Lanka’s bowling and Bangladesh’s in-form batters.

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI – Tips and Predictions

History is against Bangladesh, as is form. Even though they’re playing in home conditions. Bangladesh often turn to slow turners at home, and have comfortably beaten teams. But now they’ve been challenged in recent times, and even beaten.

How they counter this will be fascinating to watch. There’s enough quality to overcome all that. The odds may be stacked against them, but you won’t go wrong picking them as your winner. Maybe it’ll help you maximize your gains. After all, this is a side that knows how to tame sides at home. And a team that has had a demonstrated history of spin domination.

If you’re into specifics, Mushfiqur Rahim and Towhid Hridoy should give you wholesome returns from Bangladesh. From Sri Lanka, pick Mahesh Theekshana and Kusal Mendis.