The hosts, Sri Lanka, are currently leading the 3-match ODI series 1-0 after winning the first match a few days back.
Sri Lanka won the first ODI match by 77 runs. Batting first, Sri Lanka posted 244 runs for the loss of 10 wickets in 49.2 overs. Sri Lanka were 3 wickets down for 29 runs and then 4 wickets for 89 runs, looking in real trouble against the visitors.
From there, captain Charith Asalanka played the brilliant knock of 106 runs off 123 balls. He scored 6 fours and 4 sixes during his inning. Kusal Mendis also played a valuable knock of 45 runs while coming in at number three. Little contributions from Janith Liyanage, Milan Rathnayake and Wanindu Hasaranga helped Sri Lanka to score 244 runs.
Taskin Ahmad took 4 wickets for Bangladesh, while Tanzim Hasan Shakib also took 3 wickets, with Tanvir Islam and Najmul Hossain Shanto bagging a wicket apiece.
Bangladesh looked in great command of the match, having scored 100 runs for the loss of 1 wicket in 16.2 overs. From there, however, Bangladesh lost eight wickets for 105 runs in 20.5 overs before being dismissed for 167 runs in 35.5 overs.
Jaker Ali and Tanzid Hasan both got fifty runs each; Hasan was Bangladesh's leading scorer with 62 runs off 61 balls, while Ali scored 51. For Sri Lanka, their spin bowling duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Kamindu Mendis changed the game upside down. Wanindu claimed four wickets, while Kamindu claimed three. Asitha Fernando and Maheesh Theekshana also picked a wicket each.
The 2nd ODI match will be played on July 5, with Bangladesh hoping to make a comeback in this series. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka can already seal the series with a win.
The hosts, Sri Lanka, have great form coming into this match. Not only did they win the first ODI match vs Sri Lanka, but they also beat Australia 2-0 in a 2-match ODI series.
As for Bangladesh, they are coming into this match with really terrible form. In the last 5 ODI matches, Bangladesh have lost all the matches, including 2 losses vs West Indies, 2 losses in the Champions Trophy vs India and New Zealand, and also lost the 1st ODI vs Sri Lanka.
Host Sri Lanka is likely to go unchanged for this match. Despite their struggles in the top order, Sri Lanka has some important players, such Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, and Pathum Nissanka.
Captain Charith Asalanka’s form and consistency are great news for the Lankan side. The Sri Lankan played a valuable knock of 106 runs in the 1st ODI, while the likes of Janith Liyanage, Milan Rathnayake and Wanindu Hasaranga add batting depth and all-round brilliance.
They also have great pace bowlers in their line-up in the form of Asitha Fernando and Eshan Malinga. The duo are likely to continue for the hosts with Dilshan Madushanka on the bench. Maheesh Theekshana strengthens Sri Lanka's spin bowling attack.
There are not a lot of changes likely for the visitors to Bangladesh. The Bangla Tigers were in complete command of the match until 16 overs before finally the collapse happened. Bangladesh fielded their strongest playing XI, but after the collapse, they might be forced to make a change in their batting line-up. Mohammad Naim might be included in the playing for Parvez Emon.
Litton Das had a bad game, but he is one of their most crucial players, as is Towhid Hridoy and their captain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz. With a half-century, Jaker Ali performed admirably.
There could be one change in their bowling line-up. Rishad Hossain did not play in the previous game. But given how the pitch helped the spinners, Bangladesh might include Rishad in the line-up. Taskin Ahmad and Mustafizur Rahman are going to be the two key pace bowlers in the line-up.
Sri Lanka has further extended its lead in the head-to-head rivalry over Bangladesh. In the 58 ODI matches between the two countries, Sri Lanka has won 44 games and Bangladesh has won just 12. The remaining 2 matches were abandoned.
Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium has a long history in Sri Lanka. The venue has been in operation in Sri Lanka since 1986 and has seen some of the big matches played at this venue. The venue is suited for the bowlers. The spinners find a deal of turn and bounce as witnessed in the 1st ODI. Pace bowlers will be effective with the new ball, especially in the first innings. It is much more difficult to bat in the 2nd inning here because of the slowness of the pitch, as we witnessed in the 1st ODI, with Bangladesh finding it difficult in the 2nd inning.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (C), Janith Liyanage, Milan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando.
Bangladesh: Parvez Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (C), Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman.
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka played a key innings in the first match that eventually helped the side win the 1st ODI. He scored 106 runs in the match. But most importantly, he has been consistently doing well. In these previous 3 ODI innings, he has scored 127, 78 and 106 runs.
Bangladesh opener Tanzhid Hasan has been doing fairly well for his side in the last few matches. He was the team’s top scorer in the last match as he scored 62 runs. Prior to that, he also scored 24 and 26 runs in the two innings in the Champions Trophy. Being the opening batter, he is responsible for scoring the most runs for Bangladesh before the Sri Lankan spinners come into attack.
Wanindu Hasaranga was the best bowler for the Sri Lankan team in the last match. The spin bowling all-rounder made the most of the spin-friendly pitch as he bagged 4 wickets for just 10 runs. He will be once again playing an important role for the hosts.
The Bangladeshi left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman didn't have a wicket to his name. Yet, he was one of the team's best bowlers. The slow surface at the R. Premadasa Stadium suits the variations Mustafizur bowls. So watch out for the Bangladesh left-arm pacer in this match.
The Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 2nd ODI match will be another intriguing match between the two teams. The first match was a low-scoring thriller. Bangladesh lost the match despite being in control of the game. But the collapse really ruined the party for the visitors.
Expect a similar sort of match-up in the 2nd ODI,as the match will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The ground is suited for the bowlers, particularly the spin bowlers. Although both the teams have some good spin bowlers, Sri Lanka have that cutting edge in their spinners compared to the Bangladeshi spinners. The Sri Lankan top order will also be ready this time to ensure no top-order failure like the first match.
The head-to-head record is also primarily in favour of the hosts. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s form in ODI cricket has been really bad leading up to the match. So back Sri Lanka to win this match.
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