Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka – 3rd ODI Match Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is vs Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka taking place? Friday, May 28th, 2021 – 08:00 (UK)
Where is Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka taking place? Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, Dhaka
What is the expected weather for Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka? 33c with sunny intervals and a gentle breeze
What channel is Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka on? The match will not be televised live on UK television
LAST MEETING
Bangladesh won by 103 runs (DLS)
THE TEAM NEWS
BANGLADESH
- Bangladesh secured an unassailable lead in this three-match series against Sri Lanka after winning the second ODI by 103 runs this past Tuesday via the DLS method, thanks largely to an eighth ODI hundred from wicketkeeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim.
- Rahim’s 125-run knock helped Bangladesh accumulate a score of 246 on a bowler friendly pitch, before reducing Sri Lanka to 141/9 from a reduced allocation of 40 overs with spin-bowler Mehidy Hasan Miraz impressing once again with the ball, taking three wickets for the loss of just 28 runs.
- The Tigers are expected to make one change to their side with bowler Taskin Ahmed set to feature in place of Mohammad Saifuddin after coming on to replace the all-rounder as a concussion substitute in the second ODI.
SRI LANKA
- Once again, the Sri Lankan batters failed to adapt to tricky conditions on a bowler friendly track in the second ODI with a paltry 24 runs the highest score of their innings from opener Danushka Gunathilaka.
- The tourists cannot seem to score consistently or build a meaningful partnership against Bangladesh, as they found themselves tied into knots by the hosts’ spin-bowling attack and must improve with the willow if they are to capitalise on any platform set by Sri Lanka’s bowlers, who managed to take ten wickets.
- After not featuring in either of the first two ODIs, wicketkeeper batsman Niroshan Dickwella may come into the side as a specialist batsman, whilst all-rounder Ramesh Mendis and 23-year-old medium fast bowler Asitha Fernando will each hope to be given an opportunity.
THE PREDICTION
With the series already secured, Bangladesh will be aiming to complete a 3-0 sweep against a Sri Lanka who have been thoroughly disappointing with the bat in particular, having been unable to cope so far on a Dhaka pitch offering significant assistance for the spinners in particular. The hosts meanwhile, have been excellent across the opening two ODIs and will be determined to make a statement here by sealing a third consecutive win. The pitch isn’t expected to get any easier for batters here with showers over the past couple of days not helping matters. Once again, the ball is expected to turn significantly as the contest goes on and when taking into account the wicket taking potency of spin-bowlers Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan, combined with the poor performance of the Sri Lankan batters, then Bangladesh have to be favoured for another victory here.
