After the historic win of the 100th test match at P Sara Oval Colombo against Sri Lanka charismatic Mashrafe-led tiger squad commences yet another ODI series against Lankan lions at Rangiri Dambulla international Stadium.

Bangladesh with 91 points ranks 7th in ICC ODI rankings while Sri Lanka ranks 6th with 98 points. A very likely tiger whitewash will elevate Bangladesh to 6th position ensuring a safe passage to ICC World cup 2019 scheduled to be held in England. The immediate past ODI performance of Tigers against major oppositions indicate that Bangladesh possesses the quality and experience for chasing host team to total submission even in their own backyard. But, in cricket, only fools makes predictions. 

The matches are to be played to win. In Mashrafe, Shakib, Tamim, Mushfique and Mahmudullah Bangladesh have wealth of experience and quality. In Soumya, Sabbir, Mustafiz, Taskin and Mehedi Miraz the team have high-quality budding talent. Moreover, the series starts on a historic day when Bangladesh started the glorious Liberation War 46 years back from the midnight of the day. A win will definitely be dedicated to the memory of valiant freedom fighters. What nostalgic would be watching Bangladesh flag flying proudly at Dambulla and National anthem played!

March 25 is a very important day in the history of Bangladesh. On this very day past midnight, Pakistan Army under the style of Operation Search Light unleashed one of the worst genocide on the innocent and unarmed Bangladeshis longing for self-rule being denied of legitimate right after winning the national election. Over 20,000 of Bangladeshis, including the then EPR at Pilkhana, Police at Rajarbagh, Students, and teachers at Dhaka University campus and innocent citizens in Dhaka city were killed. Brave Bangladeshis, responding to the clarion call of Bangabandhu, took up arms and through the glorious war of liberation for nine months earned liberation at the cost of three million precious lives and supreme sacrifice of women.

Bengal Tigers can take heart from the supreme sacrifice of the brave sons of the soil. They are carrying the dreams of 160 million adoring Bangladeshis all over the world.

Sri Lanka ODI Squad

U Tharanga (C), N Dickwella, D de Silva, K Mendis, A Gunaratne, D Chandimal, KJ Perera, D Gunathilake, S Lakmal, L Kumara, VS Bandara, T Perera, S Pathirana, S Prassanna and L Sandakan.

Bangladesh Squad

M Mortaza (C), Mahmudullah, M Rahim (WK), N Hasan, S Rahman, S Hom, S Roy, T Iqbal, I Kayes, M Hossain, M Rahman, R Hossain, S Al Hasan, S Sarkar, S Islam and T Ahmed

History would tell a different story. Bangladesh could win only four of the previous 38 ODIs against Sri Lanka, three of which were in Bangladesh. In Dambulla, Bangladesh lost all three previous matches of Asia Cup against Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan. But those were the events of the past. This team now is rich in experience. Tigers are matured hunters. Not in the distant past they whitewashed Pakistan, won series against India and South Africa and beat England in World Cup. Though they lost series against New Zealand in New Zealand yet the matches were keenly contested. Now they have the taste of blood from the recent win in the test.

Even the celebrated Sri Lankan Captain of the past Arjuna Ranatunga observed that Tigers are capable of even whitewashing young Lankans. But these do not mean that Sri Lankans are mere push overs. Under experienced U Tharanga, they have a competent bunch of quality youngsters. Though the retirement of icon players Dilshan, Sangakkara, Jayawardene hurt them yet in Chandimal, Mendis, de Silva, Dickwella, Lakmal, Thisara Perera and Lakshan Sandakan they have enough quality to stretch tigers to their limits. Bangladesh have to produce their best in batting, bowling, and fielding in overcoming the Lankan challenge.

The excellent flood light facilities at Dambulla will let the first two matches played day-night. The wicket is termed unpredictable by pre-match assessment. But both the teams possess balanced attacks studded with quality pacers and very good spinners. It is through batting well and fielding sharply matches need to be won.

The lone high scoring practice match produced mouthwatering contest which the Sri Lankan Board President won by 2 runs. Shakib, Tamim, and Mustafiz were rested. Soumya, Sabbir, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek and Mashrafe batted superbly. Young off-spinning all-rounder Mehedi Miraz has been recalled as Sri Lanka will have several left-hand batsmen in their team.

If everything goes on according to plan, Bangladesh will have plenty to celebrate its 47th independence day tomorrow in Dambulla. Nothing but a series win and if possible a series whitewash of the host Sri Lanka is eagerly expected.

BDST: 1002 HRS, MAR 25, 2017
SR