Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
BAN vs SL 2022: Bangladesh eye to win the first Test against Sri Lanka
The Bangladesh team will take on Sri Lanka on Sunday for the first of a two-match Test series. The Tigers have never defeated the Lankan team in a home Test match. Bangladesh’s only Test victory against Sri Lanka came in 2017 at the P Sara Oval away from home. Besides, they have never won a longer-version series against the Lankans. In that context, the BAN vs SL first Test 2022 will be crucial for the hosts to create history against the Lankans.
Oppositely, the visitors will be hoping to start the series with a victory as the outcome of each match will have a significant impact on their ICC’s World Test Championship points standings. The first match preview is discussed in this article.
Read Shakib to play first Test vs Sri Lanka
The First Test Match Preview: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
The first match of the series will be held at the ZACS, Chattogram, and the scheduled start time is 10 a.m. (Bangladesh Start Time). This is known for its relatively good ground for the batters in comparison to other venues in Bangladesh. The batters will likely have a good time in the middle, especially in the first three days.
This ground saw one of the most successful run chases in Test cricket last year during the Bangladesh vs West Indies match. The Windies pulled off a magnificent victory over Bangladesh on the third session of day five. This amazing stat indicates that batters can find a way to play long innings even in the last two days at Chattogram’s ZACS ground.
Read Where to Watch BAN vs SL Test Series 2022 Live Streaming from Bangladesh?
Top Five Highest fourth innings totals (successful run chases)
Team
Opposition
Score
Ground
Year
West Indies
Australia
418/7
St John's, Antigua
2003
South Africa
Australia
414/4
Perth
2008
India
West Indies
406/4
Port of Spain
1976
Australia
England
404/3
Leeds
1948
West Indies
Bangladesh
395/7
Chattogram
2021
Source: https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/222199.html
Read Domingo reluctant to play ‘unfit’ Shakib
Bangladesh
Some Bangladesh batters' preferred hunting ground is Chattogram’s ZACS. One of them is skipper Mominul Haque. The left-handed batter has the best average among Bangladesh players at this ground who have played more than one match. He also has seven Test hundreds at ZACS, most by any player. Besides, Mushfiqur, Tamim, and Shakib all have good records at this venue. Therefore, batting shouldn’t be a major concern for the hosts against this Lankan Test side if they play to their full potential.
Top five most Test runs at ZACS, Chattogram
Player
Innings
Runs
HS
Ave
100s
Mushfiqur Rahim
33
1301
101
40.65
1
Mominul Haque
21
1203
181
66.83
7
Tamim Iqbal
29
905
109
31.20
1
Shakib Al Hasan
30
865
71
30.89
0
Kumar Sangakkara
6
598
319
99.66
2
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Read Covid-negative Shakib 'available for first Test vs Sri Lanka'
In bowling, spinners have to take the bulk of the responsibility since the pace bowling unit isn’t so strong for the hosts. In addition, Bangladesh’s spinners have excellent records at this venue as well. Shakib will lead the bowling attack, but Taijul has the ability to rip apart the opposition's batting line-up.
Top five most Test wickets at ZACS, Chattogram
Player
Innings
Wickets
BBI
Ave
5W
Shakib Al Hasan
30
60
7/36
32.30
4
Taijul Islam
17
38
7/116
33.84
2
Mehidy Hasan Miraz
12
29
6/80
31.20
1
Shahadat Hossain
17
22
5/71
50.00
1
Nathan Lyon
2
13
7/94
11.84
2
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Read Reminiscence: Five Top Performances by Bangladesh Bowlers in Tests against Sri Lanka
Probable playing XI
Top Order: Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Middle-Orders: Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das (Wicket-Keeper), Nayeem Hasan, Lower-Order: Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain.
Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan team is currently under pressure to make a strong comeback after a disappointing performance in their last Test series against India. The Lankan side has some seriously talented players who have the capacity to exhibit fine performance. However, will they be able to showcase their potential against a tough Bangladesh side in the BAN vs SL first Test 2022?
The newly appointed Lankan head coach, Chris Silverwood, informed us that he has given license to the batters to play fearless cricket. Therefore, the batters are expected to show a positive mindset during the match. The Lankan opener and captain, Karunaratne, will be vital for them to have a strong start to the innings. Besides, Mendis and other senior players will have to play their parts properly during the contest.
Read Five Best Test Knocks by Bangladesh Batters Against Sri Lanka: A Look Back
In bowling, two of the young spinners—Praveen Jayawickrama and Lasith Embuldeniya, will be crucial for the Lankan side. These two already have eye-catching bowling stats in Test format, and Bangladesh’s conditions are ideal for them to enrich their records even further. So, Bangladesh bats need to be a bit cautious while playing against them. Pacer Vishwa Fernando could also provide breakthroughs for the visitors when needed.
Probable Playing XI
Top Order: Dimuth Karunaratne, Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Middle-Orders: Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh Mendis, Lower-Order: Praveen Jayawickrama, Lasith Embuldeniya, Vishwa Fernando
Weather Prediction and Pitch Report
There is a strong possibility of rain with thunderstorms on the first two days of the match. Therefore, the persistent rain could interrupt the play. The weather conditions could improve from day three. The Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium is not a batting-paradise ground; rather, it can be recognized as a sporting venue. Batters feel confident playing big innings here. The toss-winning captain may opt to bat first at this venue in order to put up a big total on board.
Read Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Series 2022: ICC WTC standings predictions for both teams
Bottom Line
The BAN vs SL first Test 2022 is crucial for both the participating teams in order to stay dominant in the series. The winning team of the first Test will start as favourites prior to the second match at SBNCS, Dhaka. Besides, each match consists of 12 points in the ICC’s World Test Championship (2021–2023).
Sri Lanka have a strong record in Tests over Bangladesh. So, they will be hoping to continue their dominance over them. However, this Sri Lankan squad is relatively less-experienced and the hosts have a genuine chance to make a new history. Bangladesh can win a Test series against Sri Lanka for the first time ever. There is much to play for both teams in this bilateral Test series.
Read BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: Five Crucial Players for Bangladesh
BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: Five Crucial Players for Bangladesh
The BAN vs SL Test series 2022 is anticipated to be exciting, as both teams are confident in their ability to compete. Sri Lanka are under pressure to make a strong comeback in the forthcoming series following their previous series loss to India. On the other side, Bangladesh are hoping to win a Test series against Sri Lanka for the first time. However, the hosts will find it difficult to win a longer-version series. They need key players to step up during the competition. Let’s look at the five players who might be crucial for Bangladesh in the upcoming Test series.
Five Key Bangladesh Players for BAN vs SL Test Series 2022
Both the squads have some genuine talented cricketers who have the ability to change the scenario of a game. However, team tigers should feel confident in that perspective as on home soil, anyone can burst into the scene and do the job for the hosts. Let's have a glance at five Bangladesh players’ Test statistics who can be a difference-maker.
Mominul Haque
Test Inn: 95 | Runs: 3,514 | HS: 181 | Ave: 39.48 | 100s: 11
Test skipper Mominul Haque was recently heavily criticized for not showing enough leadership aptitude during the South Africa series. One of the criticisms was that the seniors' influence heavily on his decision-making. Mominul must demonstrate to everyone that he possesses leadership qualities and can guide the Test side with a clear vision.
Apart from his captaincy role, Mominul will be crucial for Bangladesh’s middle order. Thankfully, the left-hander has a brilliant record at home and there is an expectation that Mominul will find his rhythm during the series.
Read BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: What would the combined XI look like?
Tamim Iqbal
Test Inn: 125 | Runs: 4,848 | HS: 206 | Ave: 39.41 | 100s: 9
The veteran Tamim Iqbal will be vital for Bangladesh to strengthen the top order. He has to anchor the innings in order to give Bangladesh a great platform. If Tamim plays to his full potential, Bangladesh will surely find a good position in their innings.
Litton Das
Test Inn: 53 | Runs: 1,730 | HS: 114 | Ave: 33.26 | 100s: 2
Consistency is one of Litton Das's biggest problems. However, he has been in great form in the Test format over the past year. Litton has 871 runs in 19 innings with an average of 45.84 since January 2021. He will most likely bat in the middle order, with the responsibility of guiding Bangladesh's innings to a competitive total.
Read BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: Who holds the advantage in records?
Taijul Islam
Test Match: 36 | Wickets: 153 | BBI: 8/39 | Ave: 32.01 | 5Ws: 10
Left-arm orthodox spinner, Taijul’s home record has been excellent, with 115 wickets in 23 matches. Facing him in Bangladesh’s conditions is a nightmare for the opposition batters. The Lankan batting line-up will surely face an uphill task against Taijul Islam, especially on days 4 and 5.
Shakib Al Hasan
Test Match: 59 | Runs: 4,029 | HS: 217 | Ave: 39.50 | 100s: 5 | Wickets: 215 | BBI: 7/36 | Ave: 31.30 | 5Ws: 18
Tigers' biggest weapon in the series will be Shakib Al Hasan. He will lead the hosts' spin attack and could play a key role in the middle order. Shakib in his finest form is capable of putting the Lankan team under pressure and taking the game away from them.
Read Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2022: Squad comparison
Aftermath
At home, anyone from Bangladesh's team can fire up against Sri Lanka. However, the five key Bangladeshi players named above are more likely to step up for the hosts. Captain Mominul bears the main responsibility for bringing the team together, which is essential for team success. The efficient spin of Taijul Islam, the all-round contribution of Shakib Al Hasan, the anchor role of Tamim Iqbal as an opener, and Litton Das' recent Test form can all help Bangladesh win the BAN vs SL Test Series 2022.
T20 WC: Poor fielding, bowling cost Tigers in first Super 12 match
Bangladesh were outplayed by Sri Lanka in their first match of the Super 12s of the ongoing T20 World Cup at Sharjah on Sunday.
Sri Lanka needed to score 172 to seal this match and register a flying start to the Super 12s, and they did it in style as Bangladesh missed two crucial catches of Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Charith Asalanka when they were batting at 17 and 63 respectively.
“Had we not missed those catches, the story would have been better,” Mahmudullah said after the match, “Batters did a great job. Liton and Naim gave us a very good start. Mushfiqur played a brilliant innings. We lost a few chances. Would like to correct those things in the next game.”
After getting lives from Liton Das’ sloppy hands, Rajapaksa scored 36 and Asalanka added 17 more runs, and eventually sealed the match for Sri Lanka.
It was only the third time when Bangladesh lost a T20I match after scoring 171 or more while batting first. On two of those three occasions, Bangladesh lost to Sri Lanka.
Read: T20 WC: Naim hits his second World Cup fifty
Apart from missing catches, Mohammad Saifuddin’s third over was also one of the main reasons behind Bangladesh’s defeat. The right-arm pacer gave away 22 runs with two sixes and two fours in the 16th over.
T20 World Cup: Tigers to take on Sri Lanka to start Super 12s on high
The Bangladesh national cricket team is all set to take on their Asian counterparts Sri Lanka on October 24 aiming to start their Super 12s stage of the T20 World Cup on high.
Both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka advanced to the Super 12s stage playing in Round 1. Bangladesh beat the hosts Oman and Papua New Guinea in Round 1 but lost to Scotland while Sri Lanka beat all three teams— Ireland, Netherlands and Namibia in Round 1.
Right before the World Cup began, Bangladesh lost a warm-up match against Sri Lanka, which added an extra dimension to Sunday’s match. Sri Lanka also played their Round 1 games in the UAE, which might help them a bit. But Bangladesh’s head coach said they are not bothered about the result of Round 1.
“I don’t think what happened in the first round counts so much in the main event now. Both teams are starting from scratch from tomorrow,” he said on Saturday. “We have had some good contests against them in ODIs and Tests. We have a well-balanced side with skilful bowlers and some dangerous batters. We have a world-class allrounder in Shakib (Al Hasan). These types of conditions can suit us. Sharjah is similar to the wickets in Dhaka. Hopefully, that can assist us in tomorrow’s game.”
Youth ODI: Bangladesh U-19 team suffer 4th consecutive defeat against Sri Lanka
Touring Bangladesh Under-19 Cricket team suffered 4th consecutive defeat in the five-match Youth ODI series losing to hosts Sri Lanka by one wicket with three balls remaining at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Saturday.
Earlier, Bangladesh youth side suffered 42-run defeat against the Lankans in the first match, conceded a narrow one-run defeat in the 2nd match and a three- wicket defeat in the 3rd match to lose series 0-3.
Bangladesh will play their 5th and last match on Monday (Oct 25) at the same venue.
In the day’s match, visiting Bangladesh team opened the innings first after winning the toss and scored 224 for 8 in stipulated 20 overs, featuring two half centuries by captain SM Meherob and Ariful Islam.
Read: Youth ODI: Bangladesh lose series opener against Sri Lanka
After the dismissal of the top four batters-- opener Mahfijul Islam (34), Iftikher Hossain (11), Prantik Nowrose Nabil (1) and Aich Mollah (37) —for 109 runs in 27.4 overs, captain SM Meherob pairing with Ariful Islam contributed 81 runs in the 5th wicket stand.
Captain SM Meherob scored 52 runs off 71 balls hitting four boundaries while Ariful Islam made 50 runs off 67 balls featuring three fours. Tahjibul Islam quickfired 13-ball 21 runs.
Dunith Wellalage grabbed four wickets for 45 runs.
In reply, Sri Lanka reached their target scoring match-winner 225 for 9 with three balls to spare with number six batter Raveen De Silva hammering 88 runs off 100 balls with nine hits to the fence and one over the fence.
Read: Youth ODI series: Afghanistan win last match vs Bangladesh
Besides, Shevon Danial (32), Pawan Pathiraja (26) and Vinuja Rampul (23) were the main scorers for the Lankan.
Mushfiq Hasan claimed three wickets for 39 runs while Ahsan Habib took two for 44 runs.
Tigers lose the plot while fielding to lose first warm-up against SL
In the first warm-match ahead of the T20 World Cup, Bangladesh lost to Sri Lanka by four wickets on Tuesday at Abu Dhabi.
Bangladesh batted first in this match after winning the toss, but they failed to post a challenging total to the board.
In 20 overs, they scored 147 for seven with Soumya Sarkar posting the highest, 34, for the team. No other Bangladeshi batter was able to pass the 20-run mark.
Read: Mahmudullah out of Bangladesh’s first warm-up match
For Sri Lanka, Dushmantha Chameera bagged three wickets conceding 27 runs in four overs while Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Dasun Shanaka scalped one wicket each.
In reply, Sri Lanka slipped to 79/6 runs in 12 overs. It seemed a win only a matter of time for Bangladesh. But Avishka Fernando and Chamika Karunaratne put together an unbroken 69-run stand to seal victory in 19 overs.
Read: Mahmudullah's Best Test Innings For Bangladesh
Bangladesh will take on Ireland at the same venue on October 14 in the second warm-up match.
The Bangladesh team will return to Oman on October 15 before their first World Cup match against Scotland on October 17. In Round 1, Bangladesh will then take on Oman and Papua New Guinea.
Bangladesh's Overseas Victories in Test Cricket in the Last Two Decades
Bangladesh have played 58 Test matches away from home since gaining Test status in 2000. They have played most 14 overseas Tests against Sri Lanka and have only managed to win one of them. They've also won a couple of away Tests against West Indies and one more against Zimbabwe. Bangladesh won their most recent away Test against Sri Lanka in 2017. Bangladesh have steadily improved as a cricketing nation, but in order to improve in the longer version format, they must excel outside of the country. Let's take a look at Bangladesh's overseas victories in Test cricket in the last two decades.
Bangladesh's Four Overseas Test Wins
Bangladesh have competed in a lot of thrilling cricket matches away from home, but have only won four of them. Here are all Bangladesh's overseas Test victories.
1) 1st Test against West Indies (2009)
Venue: Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent
Result: Bangladesh won by 95 runs
It was the first of a two-match Test series against the Windies back in 2009. Bangladesh were the clear favorite to win the series against a second-tier Windies team. Bangladesh won by 95 runs on day 5 and took a 1-0 lead in the series. Bangladesh batted first and were knocked out for 238 runs, while the Windies made 307 runs in their first innings. Tamim Iqbal shined in the second innings, scoring 128 runs and guiding Bangladesh to a 276-run lead. In the chase, the Windies were all-out for 181 thanks to Mahmudullah Riyad's 5-wicket haul.
Read Bangladesh bat first in Harare
2) 2nd Test against West Indies (2009)
Venue: National Cricket Stadium, St George's, Grenada
Result: Bangladesh won by 4 wickets
Bangladesh were needed a draw to win the series. However, after winning the second Test by four wickets, they won the series 2-0. During the match, both teams' bowlers achieved success. The Windies scored 237 runs in their first innings, while Bangladesh scored 232. The Windies were bowled out for 209 runs in their second innings and Bangladesh chased down the 215-run target for the loss of six wickets on day four. All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was outstanding, taking 5 wickets in the Windies' second innings and scoring an unbeaten 96* runs while chasing the target.
Read Two Zimbabwe cricketers forced to isolate ahead of Bangladesh Test
3) 2nd Test against Zimbabwe (2004)
Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
Result: Bangladesh won by 143 runs
After winning the second Test match by 143 runs at Harare Sports Club in Harare, Bangladesh drew the two-match Test series against Zimbabwe. Bangladesh scored a massive 391 runs in their first innings and bowled Zimbabwe out for 282 runs. Bangladesh declared their second innings 291/9d after taking a 109-run lead. Zimbabwe only managed to score 257 runs in the hunt of a mammoth 401 runs. Player of the match-winner Mushfiqur Rahim played two good innings (60 & 93) for Bangladesh.
Read Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe 2021: Test Series Preview
4) 2nd Test against Sri Lanka (2017)
Venue: Colombo (PSS)
Result: Bangladesh won by 4 wickets
It was without a doubt Bangladesh's finest overseas Test victory to date. They needed to win this match to level the series. Bangladesh won the match by four wickets thanks to Tamim Iqbal's brilliant performance in the second innings. Bangladesh scored 467 runs in the first innings in response to Sri Lanka's 338, taking a 129-run advantage. Sri Lanka managed to score 319 runs in their second innings, setting a target of 191 runs for Bangladesh. Tamim came out to bat with a lot of determination and played a crucial 82-run innings on day 5. Bangladesh won the match in the final session of the day.
Read Former Lankan analyst handed seven-year ban for bribery
Bottom Line
When we look at Bangladesh's overseas victories in Test cricket in the last two decades it's evident that the team tigers' best away Test win came in 2017 against Sri Lanka at P Sara Oval in Colombo. Winning the Test series against a second-tier Windies side in 2009 was also a noteworthy achievement, as it was Bangladesh's first-ever away Test series victory.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka 2021: 3rd ODI Match Preview
The third match of the ODI series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will take place On Friday (28 May). The Sher-e-Bangla stadium will host the final match. The first two matches were also held at the same venue, and we found that the pitches were beneficial to both batters and bowlers. The curator is expected to use the same pitch for the final match. Bangladeshi players will have to put up a strong performance to whitewash the Lankans despite the fact that Bangladesh are a strong opponent in their own backyard. This article discusses the BAN vs SL 3rd ODI match preview.
Bangladesh’s Team News
Veteran middle-order batsman Mushfiqur Rahim was instrumental in Bangladesh's victories in the first two matches. Bangladesh were able to put up a challenging score in the opening two matches because of his two outstanding efforts. In addition, hard-hitting batsman MahmudullahRiyad delivered two solid knocks. So, Bangladesh will rely heavily on them in the last encounter.
Read: Copa America 2021: Things you need to know
On the other hand, off-spinner MehidyHasanMiraj and left-arm fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman are having a good series. MehidyMiraj is in the finest form of his life right now. He has climbed to second position in the ICC ODI bowling rankings for the first time. The Bangladesh team management will have faith in him in the third match as well.
Taskin Ahmed and Mohammad Mithun may replace injured Mohammad Saifuddin and Mosaddek Hossain in the match on Friday.
The Bangladesh team would hope that the out-of-form cricketers will come out firing in the final match and help Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka for the first time. It would not be difficult for Bangladesh to overcome Sri Lanka if they can keep their discipline in the third match.
Three key players for Bangladesh
Tamim Iqbal: ODIs: 215 | Runs: 7,517 | HS: 158 | SR: 78.36 | Ave: 36.84
Mushfiqur Rahim: ODIs: 226 | Runs: 6,553 | HS: 144 | SR: 79.22 | Ave: 37.23
MehidyHasanMiraz: ODIs: 49 | Wkts: 54 | BBI: 4/25 | Econ: 4.42 | Ave: 33.79
Bangladesh’s Predicted XI
Tamim Iqbal (Captain), Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (WK), MahmudullahRiyad, Mosaddek Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, MehidyHasanMiraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Shoriful Islam
Sri Lanka’s Team News
Sri Lanka's attacking mindset have so far failed to provide a positive outcome in this series. In the first two ODIs, Bangladeshi bowlers pushed hard in the middle of the innings and achieved the results they expected.
Sri Lanka may be able to play with a lot of freedom in the series finale because they have already lost the series. As a result, Sri Lanka have a chance to shock Bangladesh on Friday. We may expect some youngsters to make their international/ODI debuts for the Lankan team in the third match.
Read: Tamim, Shakib and Mustafizur Reach Unique Milestones in the first ODI against Sri Lanka
Three key players for Sri Lanka
KusalPerera: ODIs: 103 | Runs: 2,869 | HS: 135 | SR: 92.07 | Ave: 30.84
KusalMendis: ODIs: 78 | Runs: 2,206 | HS: 119 | SR: 84.29 | Ave: 30.21
WaninduHasaranga: ODIs: 20 | Wkts: 19 | BBI: 3/15 | Econ: 5.10| Ave: 39.52 | Runs: 400 | HS: 80* | SR: 117.99 | Ave: 28.57
Sri Lanka’s predicted XI
KusalPerera (Captain & WK), DanushkaGunathilaka, NiroshanDickwella, KusalMendis, DasunShanaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, WaninduHasaranga, Ashen Bandara, IsuruUdana, Lakshan Sandakan, and DushmanthaChameera
Pitch and Weather Report
The pacers should receive some help throughout the game, and the spinners will be handy later in the innings. Dhaka will likely have overcast skies On Friday and there may be little rain as the game continues. Overall, it is expected to be a hot and humid day.
Read: Five reasons behind Bangladesh's win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI
Bottom Line
The Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI match will be much more competitive, as Sri Lanka will be eying to snatch a victory form the series. Therefore the Sri Lankan team will give it their all to defeat Bangladesh. On the other hand, this will be a fantastic opportunity for Bangladesh to whitewash Sri Lanka in any format of the game for the first time. But, the exact roles that Bangladeshi players will play over Sri Lanka will be vital. Bangladesh have the potential to sweep Sri Lanka if they can keep their focus throughout the contest. Overall, cricket fans are anticipating an exciting match to be held between two Asian teams.
Tamim, Shakib and Mustafizur Reach Unique Milestones in the first ODI against Sri Lanka
After being winless for 10 matches in a row, Bangladesh's national cricket team has finally regained its winning trend in international cricket. The host defeated the Lankans by 33 runs in the first of three matches ODI series. Bangladesh will clinch a bilateral ODI series against Sri Lanka for the first time if they win another match in this contest. In addition to the team's success, Bangladesh enjoyed some personal achievements during the match. Three of Bangladesh's top cricketers; Tamim, Shakib, and Mustafizur reached unique milestones in the first ODI against Sri Lanka. This article discusses the achievements of the three cricketers.
The achievements of Tamim, Shakib, and Mustafizur in the first ODI
Bangladesh's ODI captain Tamim Iqbal, and the world's best all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan achieved personal milestones. While Mustafizur Rahman set a new world record in the series-opening match. Let's take a closer look at those accomplishments.
The milestone that Tamim Iqbal achieved
Bangladesh's ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal needed only two runs to become the first Bangladeshi player to amass 14,000 runs in international cricket before the opening match in the Sri Lanka series. The veteran opener Tamim Iqbal achieved this personal milestone by scoring 52 runs in the first One-Day International against Sri Lanka.
Tamim Iqbal has a total of 14,050 runs in 413 innings in 356 matches. Tamim has 23 hundred and 89 half-centuries in international cricket. He hit his career-best of 206 runs in a Test match against Pakistan in Khulna in 2015. Tamim still needs seven more runs to reach the 14,000-run mark for Bangladesh.
Tamim Iqbal is expected to reach the milestone in the second match of the ongoing bilateral series. Apart from Tamim, the other two Bangladeshi cricketers with over 10,000 international runs are Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan. Tamim is only the tenth opening batsman in international cricket history to achieve 14,000 runs.
Read: Five reasons behind Bangladesh's win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI
The milestone that Shakib Al Hasan reached
Prior to the series opener against Sri Lanka, Shakib Al Hasan was on the verge of reaching a milestone, having taken 999 wickets in 667 competitive matches. He would have completed 1,000 wickets if he gets just one wicket. He had reached this personal milestone by taking 1 wicket for 44 runs in 10 overs.
Sri Lankan middle-order batsman Kusal Mendis was his 1000th wicket victim. Shakib has taken 569 wickets in international cricket (210 Test wickets, 267 ODI wickets, and 92 T20 wickets), as well as 431 wickets in first-class cricket, List A, and T20 format.
Shakib is expected to shatter two more records in the ongoing series against Sri Lanka. If Shakib gets only two more wickets, he will be the highest ODI wicket-taker for Bangladesh jointly with Mashrafe (269). Furthermore, if he scores 52 runs in the series, the world's best all-rounder will become the third Bangladeshi to achieve 12,000 international runs.
Read: What Bangladesh's World Cup 2023 squad would look like?
The world record set by Mustafizur Rahman
The cutter-master Mustafizur Rahman achieved a fantastic milestone in the series opener against Sri Lanka. Mustafizur claimed three wickets for 34 runs in the contest. As a result, Mustafizur Rahman captured 51 wickets in 26 One-Day Internationals in Bangladesh, averaging only 15.11.
Mustafizur Rahman has the best average among bowlers who have taken at least 50 wickets at home. Two Australian cricketers, CJ Mckay (18.63) and Dennis Lilee (18.72) are ranked second and third respectively on the list.
He appeared in 65 One-Day Internationals and collected 121 wickets at an average of 22.97. Mustafiz's best ODI bowling figures (6/43) came against India at Mirpur's Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in a bilateral series in 2015.
Bottom Line
Tamim, Shakib, and Mustafizur reached unique milestones in the first ODI against Sri Lanka and made Bangladesh proud again in world cricket. Bangladesh players would be able to achieve a number of personal milestones if they perform well in the next two matches of the series.
However, the main goal should be to ensure a 3-0 series victory. Because if Sri Lanka is whitewashed, Bangladesh will rise to the top of the ICC ODI World Cup Super League points table, which will be a far more significant achievement.
Read: Why SL series is important for Bangladesh's 2023 World Cup Berth?
Five reasons behind Bangladesh's win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI
The three-match ODI series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka got off to an excellent start. Bangladesh have taken a 1-0 lead in the series after defeating Sri Lanka by 33 runs in the series opener. Bangladesh will secure the series if they win the next match. Bangladesh will play with confidence in the second encounter if they can maintain the fighting attitude that they displayed in the first match. The good news is that both the senior and young players contributed significantly to this victory. This article discusses five reasons behind Bangladesh's win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI.
Five factors contributed to Bangladesh's victory over Sri Lanka
Effective partnership between Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah
Veteran cricketers Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad took charge of Bangladesh's innings after losing four wickets for 99 runs in 23 overs. They had formed a 109-run fifth-wicket partnership to cross the 200-run barrier.
Mr. dependable Mushfiqur Rahim was a far more aggressive of the two, scoring 84 runs off 87 balls. On the other hand, Mahmudullah Riyad scored 54 runs. Bangladesh's score might not have surpassed 250 if it hadn't been for this pair. So, Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah's solid partnership was one of the match's turning points.
Read: What Bangladesh's World Cup 2023 squad would look like?
Miraj's superb spin bowling
Bangladeshi bowler Mehidy Hasan Miraj is presently ranked fifth in the ICC ODI bowling rankings. Miraj is proving to be a highly efficient bowler with his excellent performance in the first match. Captain Tamim Iqbal introduced off-spinner Mehidy Miraz at the start of the innings with the hope of an early breakthrough.
Miraj performed an excellent job of repaying the captain's trust in him. By sending opener Gunathilaka back to the pavilion in the fifth over Miraz got Bangladesh's first wicket. He then picked up three more wickets in the midst of the innings to completely dismantle Sri Lanka's middle order. Mehidy, who took the most four wickets for Bangladesh, was essential in the team's victory in the first match.
Saifuddin's timely breakthrough
Wanindu Hasaranga shocked the Bangladesh camp with some blazing striking at one point during the match. Hasaranga was dreaming of taking Sri Lanka home by hitting sixes against Bangladeshi bowlers. Saifuddin brought relief to Bangladesh's campaign by dismissing this fearsome lower middle-order batsman at the end of the 44th over.
Sri Lanka's score at the time was 211 while chasing 256 runs. Hasaranga made 74 runs off 60 balls before being dismissed. After breaking the eighth wicket partnership, the bowlers took the remaining two wickets within 12 runs to ensure the victory of Bangladesh.
Read: Why SL series is important for Bangladesh's 2023 World Cup Berth?
Tamim Iqbal's captaincy
Tamim Iqbal is gaining experience as the Bangladesh team's captain. We can get a sense of the kind of captain he'll be in the future. Apart from scoring 52 runs as a batsman, Tamim changed the bowlers successfully while fielding. By introducing off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz at the start, he managed to get a Lankan wicket.
Bangladesh's quickest bowler Taskin Ahmed teamed up with Mehidy Miraz to bowl at the beginning of the innings. Then Tamim brought Mustafiz, Shakib, and Saifuddin into the attack. Although Taskin was a bit expensive, the rest of the bowlers did well. Tamim's strategy of using three quick bowlers at the end of the innings was effective. All in all, Tamim did well in the first match of the series as captain.
Experience
The Sri Lankan ODI side is inexperienced, and it will take some time for them to gel as a team. Therefore, Bangladesh seized the opportunity in the first encounter. Sri Lanka lost multiple wickets in the midst of the innings despite chasing a respectable total in the first match.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka was unable to put more pressure on Bangladesh despite removing four batsmen within 100 runs. Sri Lanka required a couple of decent partnerships from the top order in order to win the opening match, which they failed to deliver. On the contrary, Bangladesh counter-attacked the Lankan bowlers after losing a few early wickets and took control of the innings. The Sri Lankan team will be able to rectify mistakes as their experience grows.
Read: Bangladesh and Sri Lanka all set to face off in an ODI Series
Bottom Line
Five reasons behind Bangladesh's win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI must be maintained in the second match. Because it is essential for the players to deliver consistent performances in order to win the series. Besides, Bangladesh players must try to rectify the mistakes that were made so that they do not repeat again in the next encounter. Bangladesh will win the series by defeating Sri Lanka in the second match if they can perform at their best.