DHAKA: Tigers and Lions usually do not live in the same forest or in the same region of a large forest. But Bengal tigers and Lankan lions lock horns from time to time in different formats of cricket in bilateral series or international tournaments. Most of the time in the past Lions prevailed. Tigers also surprised them on few occasions. But matured tigers are very competent now and looking set for winning its first ODI series against the lions from the lion’s den.

Tigers have all their mainstays experienced players Mashrafe, Mushfique, Shakib, Tamim and Mahmudullah at the form of their life. They have been blessed with quality budding talents in Mustafiz, Mehedi, Taskin, Sabbir, Soumya and Mosaddek. These tigers know hunting and have tastes of the blood after having won a test match and one ODI back to back against the lions in their own territory.

Lankan lions, of course, are in the rehabilitation process after retirements of maestros – Dilshan, Sangakkara, Jayawardene. Even, Mathews and Malinga are also not available for their injuries. Tharanga is leading the side and Chandimal is the only other experienced players of the hay days. But the enormous depth of well organized Lankan cricket has enormous resources for contributing a competent team. Mendis, Pereeras, Gunratne, Karunaratne and Lakmal are more than capable of competing with the best of the best anywhere.

Bangladesh was tipped favorites for winning in all formats for their greater experience. But young Lankans upset them blowing them out in the first test at Galle. But tigers bounced back strongly at Colombo winning the second test and squaring the series. Many thought in future teams must play at least three tests.

Bangladesh thrashed Sri Lanka in the first ODI at Dambulla by 90 runs. The second ODI in the same venue was washed out by incessant rain coming after Sri Lanka posting a challenging target of 312-run to chase. History was in favor of the home side as no team has ever won any ODI in Sri Lanka chasing over 300 runs.

But Mashrafe-led squad was hopeful. The momentum was with the tigers after Taskin striking a hat-trick in the last over and Bangladesh grabbing the last six Sri Lankan wickets in the last six overs. Bangladesh also scored 324-run in the first ODI and even chased over 300 target in the warm-up match without inform Tamim and Shakib. But what not happened we can only speculate.

Today teams will lock horns at Sinhalese Cricket Club ground in Colombo with two different perspectives. The home team has to avoid the series defeat. Bangladesh looks for creating a history of winning an away series against a full strength superior side.

Wicket may be slow, gripping and turning on the dry surface. It is expected to give more assistance to Mustafiz and Mehedi. Both were out of sorts a bit in the second ODI. Bangladesh would definitely not change the winning combination. But the real strength is their batting. All big guns Tamim, Shakib, Sabbir, Mosaddek, and Mahmudullah appeared on song. Soumya and Mushfique are due for big innings. Winning the toss, batting first and posting about 300 runs will be the key. The home side will be under the pump. Experts say 270-280 is par score at SCC. Bangladesh bat deep. Miraz and Mashrafe can contribute if necessary. Under Mashrafe, this team rarely panics.

But all said needs to be done. Bangladesh have to win the series playing A game. They have to play to their potentials in all departments of batting, bowling, and fielding. Mashrafe must leave all options often. Batting order can be reshuffled if need be. Mahmudullah can be used in bowling few overs if the necessity arises. He is an enigmatic leader and he knows it all.

A Bangladesh win will do the world of good for Bangladesh in every aspect of national life.

BDST: 0959 HRS, APR 01, 2017
SR