Team Bangladesh was shocked and awed by a huge 91 runs defeat in the first of the three matches ODI series. That was maestro Malinga’s last hurrah which he celebrated with his trademark Yorkers toe crashing Bangladesh openers Tamim and Soumya. 

With Malinga walking into history can Bangladesh redeem? Can Sri Lanka keeping the winning momentum going seal the series today? It is not very often Sri Lanka has won bi lateral ODI series at home in the recent past. If Sri Lanka wins the match today and wrap up the series it will be their first in 44 months at home. With the fate of controversial home grown coach Hathurusingha hanging in a balance it will be a fitting farewell to him. Few even thought that Hathurusingha may be back with team Bangladesh as head coach.

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka had opportunities for qualifying for the semi finals of CWC 2019. The reasons which they did not have been discussed and debated and will go on for a long time. Their match in world cup was rain washed and sides shared points. Many thought it benefited Sri Lanka more as Bangladesh at that point was looking better, But Sri Lanka injected great excitement to CWC2019 beating tournament favorite England. Till the very important match of the tournament between England and India, the possibilities of three South Asian teams Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka were three. India was in winning position. If India won the Ultimate CWC winner England would have to exit. But many thought Cricket Geo Politics prevailed. England win shut the doors of South Asian nations. India also lost to New Zealand in the Semi Final.

Few thought Bangladesh let some injured match unfit players dragging on. Some key players could be given rest in some matches giving fitter players opportunities. But that did not happen. Bangladesh finished 8th among 10 participants, just above qualifiers West Indies and Afghanistan. Sri Lanka finished 6th.

Bangladesh hurriedly sacked head coach Steve Rhodes, did not extend contract of Bowling coaches Courtney Walsh and Sunil Joshi. BCB President complained about Indiscipline in the team. But conspicuously team Manager was retained and rather rewarded with the additional responsibility of acting as interim head coach for Sri Lanka tour. Mashrafe and Saifuddin for injury and Liton for personal reasons could not make the tour. Shafiul Islam, Anamul Haque and Taskin Ahmed replaced them. In place of Shakib Al Hasan given leave Taijul was drafted. Tamim struggled all through in CWC 2019 with his form. He was made captain.

The first match of the series was the historic match as Sri Lanka chose the occasion to bide farewell to one of its cricket hero Lasith Malinga. The great ambassador of Sri Lanka cricket responded with brilliant performance bowling his traditional trademark toe crashing Yorkers. The possibilities of Bangladesh chasing 314 Sri Lanka score was nipped in the bud with Malinga removing Tamim and Soumya with almost unplayable deadly Yorkers. Sri Lanka won by 91 runs and forged ahead in the series.

With Malinga not there Bangladesh may plan its strategy differently. But questions being asked, did Bangladesh appear with the best option in the first match? Bangladesh struggled a lot with opening partnership in CWC. Tamim was completely out of form. Soumya was getting out every time after few strokes for his flawed techniques. Liton was not available. Why not Anamul Bijoy taken in the team after his brilliant success in home cricket not included? In CWC Shakib at number three was the major contributor. In his absence number three position was the most vital. Mithun was a failure in CWC and did not play after few matches. Why experienced Mahmudullah was not slotted there. Taijul was taken in the team for filling the void of Shakib at least in bowling. Why he was not included? Was not Taskin a better option to share new Ball with Mustafiz? 

Now with 0-1 and a do or die match Bangladesh must ponder seriously before they are in a situation where they may need to struggle for avoiding a series white wash.

All onus on Tamim. Mushfique and Mahmudullah to bat Bangladesh to comfort zone if batting first. Taijul and Taskin must replace Mosaddek and Rubel. Anamul Bijoy must pair with Tamim at the top. A series loss and white wash will offset Bangladesh from ICC Rank 7 to 8. Bangladesh can ill afford that.

TRUST TIGERS WOULD FIGHT BACK AND SQUARE THE SERIES TODAY

My team 

Tamim, Anamul, Mahmudullah, Mushfiq, Mithun, Sabbir, Miraj, Taijul, Shafiul, Taskin and Mustafiz

BDST: 1007 HRS, JUL 28, 2019
SI