Bangladesh meets Sri Lanka for three matches ICC qualifier matches at Sher-e Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS) after Eid ul Fitr from 23 May 2021. Two teams just completed two matches test series in Sri Lanka. Bangladesh won three matches ODI series against weakened West Indies at home. Sri Lanka was brown washed by full strength West Indies on tour. Bangladesh ranks 7th and Sri Lanka 9th in ICC ODI ranking. This series apart from improving ranking gives opportunity for both teams for trying some new players for ICC world cup 2023. Teams would have to play under strict bio security bubbles as Bangladesh is going through strict lock down for the second wave of CORONA virus. Sri Lanka would be the second team visiting Bangladesh during COVID time. 

ICC Rankings. 

Afghanistan has not played minimum numbers of test matches for considering their rankings in test. 

Needless mentioning that Bangladesh ODI team will be strengthened for return of star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and leading pacer Mustafizur Rahman, both named in the 23 members preliminary squad. Mahmudullah Riad, Mosaddeq Hossain and Mohammad Saifuddin are also named in the squad. Imrul Kayes has also been included. Bangladesh suffered humiliating white wash by strong New Zealand on tour in pace friendly alien condition. 
The possibility of Shakib and Mustafiz being available for the series has brightened from BCCI and IPL authority suspending IPL2021 for COVID avalanche in India. Both of them have to in quarantine for 14 days on arrival in Bangladesh.  Mustafiz played all matches for his team Rajasthan Royals. Shakib was replaced by West Indies all-rounder Sunil Narine after three matches.  

Bangladesh suffered in New Zealand ODI matches mainly for poor batting of top order specially Liton, Shanto and Soumya Sarkar. Mushfique and the middle order also did not performer better. Only Mahmudullah looked in good nick before getting injured. 

Tamim was in pristine form in Test series in Sri Lanka. He should as usual open the innings. It will be a tough decision whether or not to include Imrul Kayes in the final squad. If he is included, he should be included in playing XI. However, whether he opens the innings or plays at number three would be a critical issue. In our opinion Liton should play as partner of Tamim and Imrul should be slotted at three. Shakib should ideally bat at three but he looked a bit out of shorts in IPL. Hence, he should rather bat at four for accommodating Imrul in the batting order. No chance should be taken with younger players in the top order at least for the first match. Mushfique and Mahmudullah should be slotted at five and six. Would suggest playing Mosaddeq Hossain and Meraj at number 7 and 8, Saifuddain at 9. Taskin and Mustafiz should complete the team. Rubel and Shoriful may be considered for the second and third ODIs. Batting is a major problem. Bangladesh has to bat well for competing against strong Lankan bowling. There is a risk in preparing spinning wicket as visitors have some quality spinners, leg spinner and left arm spinner. Bangladesh with Shakib and Mahmudullah back in the team should be considered favourite in the series at home ground. Bangladesh 

Bangladesh: 

Tamim Iqbal, Mohammad Naim, Imrul Kayes, Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain, Mosaddek Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Shohidul Islam.

Sri Lanka: 

Kusal Janith Perera (Captain), Dhanushka Gunathilaka, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Ashen Bandara, Wanidu Hasaranga, Niroshan Dickwella, Dasun Shanaka, Oshada Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Shiran Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne, Asitha Fernando, Ramesh Mendis and Akila Dhananjaya.

BDST: 1212 HRS, May 6, 2021
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