Tigers, Sri Lanka face off in first battle in tri-series today

FE Team | Published: January 19, 2018 00:29:26

Bangladesh will face visiting Sri Lanka in their second ODI encounter of the Tri-nation series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS) in Mirpur today (Friday), reports UNB.
The 3rd match of the seven-match series will begin at 12pm (Bangladesh time). The Tigers' started their new year ODI campaign with an eight-wicket victory in the opening match of the series against Zimbabwe while Sri Lanka conceded defeat to Zimbabwe by 12-run in the 2nd match.
Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza felt a bit relax ahead of the Friday's battle observing the performance of his fellow pacer Mustafizur Rahman and well off return of the top order batsman Anamul Haque in the first match where Fizz got his rhythm with 2/29 and Anamul backed on the track as opener, playing dashing innings of 19 off 14 balls, including four boundaries.
Anamul returned for the national side after around two years break following his well off performance in the last few domestic seasons, including his recent double-century in the National Cricket League (NCL) first-class competition.
"In what way he [Anamul Haque] played, returning in the team after a two and a half years break, we exactly wanted that type of fearless cricketing from him. He was positive and okay with his mindset. In what way he batted, that will be considered as his back with hundred percent," said Mashrafe during pre-match press conference at Mirpur in the city on Thursday.
"When I kept five fielders [during the 1st match] at slip area, he [Mustafizur] said, okay. This fearless mindset is important. We can overcome any difficult situation, if it remains among us," Mashrafe praised about Mustafizur's confident what he showed during the 1st match.
"We have to remain prepared always, keeping it mind that 'we have to win the match'. There is no way to think out of it. We play well as we have it [winning mindset]," the Tigers captain said replying to question.
Sri Lankan batting consultant Thilan Samaraweera expected that Chandika Hathurusingha's boys' will back in the series with a win in the match against Bangladesh.
"In the first match, we could not play well as per our capabilities. It can happen in a tournament like Tri-nation series. The good thing is that we have more matches to play. If, tomorrow [Friday] we can play as per our strength, we will get a good result," Samaraweera said.
When talking to media men during pre-match press conference, Samaraweera informed that they have made separate plan for every individual players of Bangladesh, including Mustafizur. Bangladesh secured five victories against 34 losses against Sri Lanka while two matches had seen no results among their 41 meetings, since April in 1986.
Squad: Bangladesh: Mashrafe Bin Mortaza (captain), Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Anamul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Nasir Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Mohammad Mithun, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Abul Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mohammad Saifuddin and Sunzamul Islam.
Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews, Upul Tharanga, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Janith Perera, Thisara Perera, Asela Gunaratne, Niroshan Dickwella, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera, Shehan Madushanka, Akila Dananjaya, Lakshan Sandakan and Wanidu Hasaranga.