Having home advantage and being superior in the ODI format Bangladesh starts as favorite in the three matches ODI series against touring Sri Lanka. Bangladesh was white washed ODI and T20 series against New Zealand on tour and lost the test series against Sri Lanka 1-0. Star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan returns and the team is in full strength. Sri Lanka on the other hand in their plan for preparation for 2023 ICC World Cup has rested some of their senior players (Karunaratne, Mathews and Chandimal). The squad includes several upcoming talented young players. Bangladesh ranks 7th and Sri Lanka 9th in ICC Ranking. In the context of above, on paper Bangladesh appears favorite for winning the series. 

Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainty. Many say a funny game. One or two good partnership, one outstanding batting performance, one or two inspired spells of bowling can change the course of any match. Though Bangladesh starts favorite yet there is no reason to believe that Sri Lanka cannot turn the table on Bangladesh. The team has several talented batsmen, few good all-rounders and some top-quality spinners (orthodox and unorthodox).   Bangladesh has to produce it’s A game consistently for winning the series.
BCB has just announced 15 members squad for the first two game along with 4 stand-by players. Imrul Kayes, Rubel Hossain and Nazmul Hossain Shanto were not included in the main squad and neither in the stand 

Squad: Tamim Iqbal, Liton K Das, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riad, Mohammad Mithun, Mosaddeq Hossain, Afif Hossain, Mehedhy Hasan Miraj, Sheikh Mehedy, Mohammad Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Mustafizur Rahman. 

Inclusion of Shakib and Mahmudullah would definitely give the team a big boost and balance. But the plan of BCB authorities to recall veteran top order batsman Imrul Kayes and discarding him was not understood. Bangladesh top order played very poorly in New Zealand. Return of Imrul Kayes could have given some stability. It was very harsh on Imrul and must not have been done. Nazmul Shanto is not a player to groom for white ball cricket. Rubel after injury is possibly not match fit yet. Imrul Kayes could be included in place of Mohammad Mithun.

We cannot make any conclusion from the practice match played at BKSP played on a placid wicket. Yet runs by most main stream batsmen should give them confidence. Why Mohammad Naim was not considered for the main squad even after performing well? Anyway, it needs to be seen what strategy Bangladesh takes? Should it go for traditional easy paced spin favoring wicket or a little bit pacey, bouncy wicket? This Sri Lanka team possess some very crafty spinners (orthodox and unorthodox left arm and right arm). They may embarrass Bangladesh on a turning track. Akila Dhananjaya is a quality right arm off spinner, but can bowl leg spin and carom balls. Lakshan Sandakan is a quality left arm orthodox spinner. 

Wanidu Hasaranga is a right-handed leg break bowler. In addition to above three Dhananjaya de Silva and Ramesh Mendis are also quality off spinners. Bangladesh must not be caught in the own trap preparing slow turning wicket.  This young Sri Lanka team appears a little lean in batting. Moreover, Taskin and Mustafiz are in great form. It will be better leaving something for the pacers to work with. Shakib and Mehedi would also enjoy bowling on a little bit bouncy wicket. 

The return of Shakib facilitates playing with an extra bowler. Whether it would be an additional spinner or a pacer would largely depend on the wicket.

Tamim since Sri Lanka tour reappeared at his flamboyant best, Liton on home condition had batted aggressively in ODI in the recent past. Perhaps the team management is back to its good sense slotting Shakib back to his favorite position at three and Mushfique to his utility position at 4. Mahmuduallh at 5 makes the middle order formidable. I would prefer playing Afif at number 6 ahead of Mithun and Soumya for his greater utility. Another option can be Mosaddeq Hossain. Mehedy Miraj would bat at 7. If Bangladesh want they can appear with three genuine pacers Taskin, Mustafiz, Shoriful and all-rounder Saifuddin or play Sheikh Mehedy in place of Shoriful. But again, it will depend on the wicket. 

Taskin is in brilliant form. Bowling fast and accurate . Mustafiz also looked great in IPL. Bangladesh must rely on them and let them hunt on pacey wicket. Return of Shakib always gives wicket taking option for Bangladesh spinners. He will take wicket on any surface with his crafts. Shakib and Meraj bowl well in tandem. But Bangladesh has to take their chances and catch well. I think Sheikh Mehedy will be a good addition to spin armory. It is great that Mahmudullah has started bowling again. Afiff can also chip in with useful overs. Saifuddin is also a wicket taker. 

My suggested team 
Tamim Iqbal, Liton K Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riad, Afiff Hossain / Mosaddeq Hossain, Mehedy Hasan Meraj, Sheikh Mehedy, Mohammad Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman. 

Bangladesh must not be complacent. The young Sri Lanka team can still spring surprise, can shock them. The team must have a plan and strategy. The first match is very important. Winning it and winning big must be the vision of Bangladesh.

BDST: 1145 HRS, MAY 22, 2021
SMS