Fresh from their 1-0 Test series triumph, Sri Lanka will look to extend their dominance when they host Bangladesh in a three-match ODI series starting Wednesday at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The white-ball contests will be followed by three T20Is, as the visitors aim to shake off a lean run in the 50-over format.
Actually, we are good friends, When it comes to playing, it looks like a rivalry. That’s what everyone expects to see—those kinds of games, that kind of heat. But we’re good friends.
While the camaraderie remains, the on-field battles have often been heated. Sri Lanka come into the series with momentum and a settled squad that has beaten India, West Indies, New Zealand, and Australia at home over the past year.
The hosts will again bank on the in-form Pathum Nissanka, who struck centuries in both Tests against Bangladesh and will be key at the top of the order.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, are a side in transition after the retirement of several senior players. They have lost six of their last completed ODIs and eight of their last eleven overall. Still, captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz was quick to downplay the numbers.
Our numbers don’t necessarily mean we are a bad team. We only played two ODI series last year. We mainly played Tests in 2024. We understand our situation. We are planning to make things better. Hopefully, with regular ODIs, we will be back in full flow.
Bangladesh will rely heavily on Litton Das to anchor the batting, supported by Najmul Hossain Shanto and Towhid Hridoy. Mehidy Hasan himself will be leading the ODI side for the first time in this series. Among the new faces, leg-spinner Rishad Hossain offers promise, but experience and temperament will be tested against a confident Sri Lankan attack.
Sri Lanka’s bowling looks formidable on paper. Their pace battery—Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, and Dilshan Madushanka—will be complemented by the guile of Maheesh Theekshana and the aggression of Wanindu Hasaranga. Mystery spin has become a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s white-ball success, and Theekshana will once again be the bowler to watch.
For Bangladesh, Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman must shoulder the responsibility of striking early and keeping Sri Lanka’s batting in check. Mehidy Hasan’s off-spin will be vital, especially in the middle overs.
While Sri Lanka start as favourites, Bangladesh’s last ODI series win came against the hosts, and they will hope to summon the same spirit.
The rivalry—friendly off the field but fierce between the stumps—promises another compelling chapter.
Probable XIs: Sri Lanka: Nishan Madushka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka (capt), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando.
Bangladesh: 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.
