• Match: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI Match, Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh 2024
• Date and Time: March 15, 08:30 am GMT / 02:00 pm IST / 02:30 pm local time
• Venue: Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram

The disappointment of losing the T20 series will still linger in the minds of the Bangladeshi cricketers, who have yet to secure a series win against Sri Lanka at home. However, a victory in the upcoming ODI series could provide some relief.

Bangladesh (BAN) possesses a formidable all-round squad capable of challenging Sri Lanka on home soil, with depth and balance in both batting and bowling departments. The return of experienced players like Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mushfiqur Rahim will boost morale, encouraging the team to adopt a more aggressive approach. The top order, consisting of Sowmya Sarkar, Liton Das, Anamul Haque, and Najmul Hossain Shanto, forms a solid foundation capable of making an impact if they find their form.

The middle order has been strengthened with the inclusion of Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The bowling unit, featuring two left-arm pacers, one right-arm pacer, one leg-spinner, and one slow left-arm orthodox bowler, offers plenty of options to challenge Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.

After winning the T20 series 2-1, Sri Lanka (SL) is determined to claim victory in the ODI series. The controversial time-out decision in the T20 series finale has added fuel to the rivalry between the two teams.

In the decisive match, Sri Lanka displayed clinical performances with both bat and ball, aiming to maintain the same intensity in the ODI matches. Despite the absence of Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka, the return of all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga adds balance and depth to the squad. While Matheesha Pathirana’s injury forces him out of the series, Sri Lanka has a strong pool of fast bowlers to choose from. Dilshan Madhushanka and Pramod Madhushan are expected to play key roles with the new ball.

The experiment with Avishka Fernando as an opener has not yielded desired results, prompting a reevaluation of his role. With the return of Pathum Nissanka, Sri Lanka’s opening partnership appears to be well-structured once again.

Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Towhid Hridoy, Soumya Sarkar, Mahedi Hasan, Mahmudullah, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Shakib, Shoriful Islam.

Sri Lanka: Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sahan Arachchige, Chamika Karunaratne, Charith Asalanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan, Dilshan Madushanka.

Who will win the toss? – Bangladesh
Who will win? – Bangladesh

It will be updated soon

Determining the favorable strategy on this pitch, whether chasing or setting a target, presents a challenge. However, in previous BPL matches, teams choosing to chase have emerged victorious in 7 out of 11 instances, indicating a trend towards batting second. Consequently, we anticipate that the team winning the toss will opt to field first, affording the opposition the opportunity to bat first.

All three matches of the ODI Series are scheduled to be held at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. Bangladesh has a commendable track record at this venue, securing victory in 17 out of 28 matches played here, while enduring 11 losses.

In recent times, the pitch at this venue hasn’t consistently produced high-scoring encounters, but batsmen who exhibit patience and skill can still accumulate runs effectively. Throughout the recent BPL 2024 tournament, the scores exhibited variation, with some matches favoring the chasing team due to early onset of dew. However, the weather forecast indicates favorable conditions without any anticipated rain interruption, ensuring a full and uninterrupted match.

• Stadium: Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium
• City:  Chattogram
• Capacity:  20, 000
• Ends:  Isphani End, UCB End
• Host to: Bangladesh, Chattogram Division