A fairly tricky wicket gave both sides some difficulty first up but the gap between the teams might be set to narrow.
The second ODI series stays at Chattogram for all three matches.
(Pic – EPA/RAHAT DAR)
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka – Second ODI
Friday 15 March 2024 – 10h00
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
Bangladesh swept to victory in the opening One Day International but will still be wary of Sri Lanka’s response.
The series stays at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram for all three matches. Sri Lanka have now won one and lost one at the venue while the hosts have won their last two matches at the ground.
To Win Match: Bangladesh 5/4 | Tie 25/1 | Sri Lanka 67/100
Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto was the standout star in the Tiger’s opening win starting the series with a well-played hundred and he will be a player to watch throughout.
Mushfiqur Rahim was key to the effort and shared a big stand with his skipper. With less experienced players on hand, the diminutive veteran will be an ironically massive figure for the Tigers.
Meanwhile with the ball Tanzim Hasan Sakib has made a statement with his opening effort of the series and shows that Bangladesh are producing quality seamers for white-ball cricket.
Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam brought their end of the deal when it comes to strike-bowling but both were also punished at times.
Sri Lanka misjudged the pitch quite badly in the series opener but they are likely to learn from those errors when they go around again.
Fighting half-centuries from Janith Liyanage and captain Kusal Mendis just weren’t enough to keep Sri Lanka in the game first up as they allowed the Bangladesh skipper to take control of the match.
Sri Lanka needs a greater focus on building partnerships in this format rather than persistently trying to push up the tempo.
Dilshan Madushanka made an impact with the new ball for Sri Lanka but wasn’t backed up by the rest of the attack. They may opt for an extra seamer in this next contest.
Verdict: Bangladesh 5/4
Bangladesh have the edge and should close out the series with another win. Good value at a shade over evens as well!
