Bangladesh Begin New ODI Chapter as They Face Settled Sri Lanka in Series Opener

After an intense Test series, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh now shift focus to white-ball cricket, with the first of three ODIs kicking off on Wednesday in Colombo. The series marks a significant moment for Bangladesh, ushering in a new era under the full-time ODI captaincy of Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

This will be Bangladesh’s first ODI without any of the nation’s iconic "Fab Five"—Mashrafe Mortaza, Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah—since 2005. With the recent retirements of Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah, Bangladesh are firmly in transition, relying now on emerging talents to carry them forward.

A Team Rebuilding vs. A Team Settling

While Bangladesh look to fill the leadership and experience void left behind, Sri Lanka appear to be finding stability in both their squad and performances. The hosts have notched up impressive series wins at home against India, West Indies, New Zealand, and Australia over the past year, with their only ODI series loss coming away in New Zealand.

Sri Lanka’s strength lies in their depth, particularly in their bowling attack. Their pace lineup boasts Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, and Dilshan Madushanka, who have been selected over the likes of Dushmantha Chameera and Matheesha Pathirana. Their spin department, led by Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, is world-class and thrives in home conditions.

For Bangladesh, though talent is evident, depth remains a concern. Rishad Hossain is one such promising player, having played a key role in their last ODI win over Sri Lanka. Former skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, now free of leadership duties, will also be looking to regain form.

Recent Form

Sri Lanka come into the series in good form with three wins in their last five ODIs. Bangladesh, in contrast, are on a six-match losing streak and have won just three of their last eleven ODIs since the start of 2024.

Yet, it was Bangladesh who last defeated Sri Lanka in an ODI series, giving them hope for a turnaround.

Spotlight: Theekshana & Rishad

Maheesh Theekshana is evolving from a T20 specialist to a core ODI spinner, playing every home ODI he’s been available for recently. His control and pressure help create opportunities for Sri Lanka’s other bowlers.

On the other side, Bangladesh's Rishad Hossain is a rare leg-spinning all-rounder, though he's been inconsistent lately. His explosive 48 off 18 balls against Sri Lanka earlier in the year remains a highlight, and a repeat of that performance could swing the momentum Bangladesh’s way.

Team News

Sri Lanka have a largely settled XI, but the opening partner for Pathum Nissanka remains undecided between Nishan Madushka and Avishka Fernando. Eshan Malinga’s impressive domestic form puts him in contention, with Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka vying for the remaining seamers’ slots.

Probable Sri Lanka XI: Nishan Madushka/Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka (capt), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando/Dilshan Madushanka

Bangladesh are forced into changes following the retirements of Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah. Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das are expected to open, with Mohammad Naim slotting in at No. 3. Shanto will move to the middle order, and wicketkeeper Jaker Ali comes into the side.

Probable Bangladesh XI: Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (wk), Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana

Conditions & Stats

The weather is expected to be clear with no rain interruptions. The Khettarama pitch should offer runs and assistance to spinners, with any total around 300 considered competitive.

This will be Bangladesh's first ODI since July 2007 without any of Mahmudullah, Tamim, Shakib, Mushfiqur or Mortaza.
Bangladesh have never won an ODI series in Sri Lanka.
Najmul Hossain Shanto averages 85.50 against Sri Lanka, with a century and two fifties in five innings.
Wanindu Hasaranga is one wicket away from his 100th ODI scalp.

What’s at Stake?

For Sri Lanka, it's about building momentum and consistency at home. For Bangladesh, this series represents the start of a rebuild—one where new leaders and emerging players will begin shaping the team’s future. A historic series win in Sri Lanka would be the perfect start to that journey.

Ask ChatGPT