Chandika Hathurusingha's new-look Sri Lanka will start their campaign in the tri-nation One Day International (ODI) series taking on Zimbabwe today (Wednesday) at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, reports UNB.
The day-night match of the series will kick off at 12:00 noon (Bangladesh time). Zimbabwe beat hosts Sri Lanka on the home soil to win the last ODI series.
Hosts Bangladesh (171/2 in 28.2 overs) made a flying start in the seven-match ODI series outplaying Zimbabwe (170 all out in 49 overs) by eight wickets with 129 balls remaining, featuring unbeaten 84 runs by opener Tamim Iqbal and an all-round performance by man of the match Shakib Al Hasan, who scored 37 runs and grabbed three wickets for 43 runs.
A 16-member Sri Lanka team, led by Angelo Mathews and trained by former head of coach of Bangladesh Chandika Hathurusingha, arrived in the capital on Saturday to play the tri-nation series.
Ahead of their first appearance, Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews paid his full respect to his opponent Zimbabwean team although they (Zimbabwe) suffered a humiliating defeat against hosts Bangladesh.
"Zimbabwe is a good side. They won series beating us on our home soil playing a good cricket. However, the Sri Lankan team is now stronger than previous one. The team may be dangerous anytime. So, it will be a challenging match for us," said the Lankan skipper.
Sri Lanka ODI squad: Angelo Mathews (captain), Upul Tharanga, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Thisara Perera, Asela Gunaratne, Niroshan Dickwella, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera, Shehan Madushanka, Akila Dananjaya, Lakshan Sandakan and Wanindu Hasaranga.
Zimbabwe ODI squad: Hamilton Masakadza, Solomon Mire, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza, Peter Moor, Malcolm Waller, Graeme Cremer (captain), Ryan Murray (wk), Tendai Chisoro, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Christopher Mpofu, Tendai Chatara and Kyle Jarvis
After the tri-nation ODI series, Bangladesh will host Sri Lanka a two-match Test series in Chittagong and Dhaka. The first Test will be played from January 31 to February 4 and the second one from February 8 to 12.
Sri Lanka's tour will end with two T20s-the first one on February 15 in Dhaka and the second one on February 18 in Sylhet.
Fixture of Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh: 1st Test: January 31-February 4, Chittagong; 2nd Test: February 8-12, Dhaka; 1st T20: February 15, Dhaka; 2nd T20: February 18, Sylhet.
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