Rain permitting days play Bangladesh must try and warp up three matches ODI series today against Sri Lanka today. As an analyst I must say though victory margin of 33 runs appears comfortable yet it was not a cake walk. 

There were moments in the match when the tourists had the upper hand. But for the lack of big match experience of the most players of the Sri Lanka they could not hold on to their opportunities. If Bangladesh fail playing positively the visitors may shock them. For that Bangladesh must appear with the right playing XI taking lessons from the first match. 

Reading The Wicket Appropriately 
The wicket had grass cover for a change. But it lacked pace. Dusmanta Chameera in his first spell extracted some life but the wicket had very little for the pacers. The wicket gripped and turned. It was ideal for bowlers like Mustafiz who cleverly changed pace and used his cutters. Bangladesh did not do it right appearing with three pacers. On such wicket an additional spinner could be better. Taskin tried bowling fast and bowled too short. The wicket assisted spin. That is why Mehedy Miraj and Dhanajaya di Silva thrived. Bangladesh should play Mosaddeq. Whether he should come in replacing Mithun or resting Taskin requires brainstorming. Bangladesh may also ponder playing Shoriful resting Taskin for the match.

Top Order Needs Reviewing 
Liton K Das is not in form. His footwork is letting to his downfall. The options are playing Soumya Sarkar or Sheikh Mohammad Naim (in reserve). If Bangladesh lose wicket early again Shakib must not be exposed to new ball. He looks rusty with not enough match practice. Would suggest slotting Mahmudullah Riad at number three. He looks solid with his technique and assured in his resolve. He has experience of playing long innings. Playing him at three would also give right and left hand combination. If thought right even Mehedy Miraj can be slotted at three. Bangladesh is not exploiting his batting talent properly. Shakib can then bat at five after Mushfique at four. 

Would suggest for letting Mosaddeq bat at six. Yes Shakib delivered gold at three in ICC World cup 2019. But he is not an ideal number three batsman. He can play freely with greater freedom at number 5. Bangladesh now possesses quality-batting resources in late middle order. Mosaddeq, Afiff, Mehedi and Saifuddin are stroke makers. All four bowl as well. Now the team management needs deciding whether to play with three pacers. I think if the wicket remains the same two pacers and three spinners (additionally Afiff and Mahmudullah are there) would be better option. We are unsure about the nature of Injury Mustafiz sustained. If thought proper Shoriful can come in resting Mustafiz. 

In any case Bangladesh must play aggressive cricket and go all out for wrapping up the series today. There is possibility for rain interruptions. Hence DLS must be kept in view.

Tamim must remain proactive. He did not utilize his spin options in the first match though the wicket gripped and turned. Afiff and Riad could be utilized as Taskin was struggling. Captain always should have plan B. 

My suggested team 
Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar/ Mohammad Naim, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riad, Mosaddeq Hossain, Afif Hossain, Mehedy Miraj, Mohammad Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmed / Mahedy, Mustafizur Rahman / Shoriful Islam.
 
A win today will not only secure the series win but also would take Bangladesh to the top of point tally in ICC ODI Championship with 50 points from 8 matches. Let us hope that rain stays away. 

BDST: 1222 HRS, MAY 25, 2021
SMS