After a disappointing 91-run defeat in the first ODI, Bangladesh will confront Sri Lanka to keep the series alive in the second of three-match ODI series in Colombo today (Sunday). The match is scheduled to start at 3:00 pm. Bangladesh were outclassed in every department during the first ODI. Tamim Iqbal’s inexperience in captaincy, pacers continuous struggle, dull batting, poor fielding, everything went wrong and Tigers failed as a unit. All the bad habits of old were at display. Tigers were clearly missing the services of key players and others who chipped in failed to fill their void. Therefore, Bangladesh need a complete shift in plan and ideas if they are to level the series today.
Top-order debacle is something which Bangladesh are yet to find a solution. Skipper Tamim’s dismal form needs quick fixing. Calling on strike bowler Mustafizur Rahman after 16th over was just one of many bad decisions Tamim made during the first match. He needs to be more aggressive while captaining the side. Apart from Mushfiq and Sabbir, every other batsmen failed to contribute. For Bangladesh batsmen, encouraging news is veteran Malinga will not be there anymore, whose fiery bowling rattled Tigers’ batsmen during the first ODI. Bowlers were blunt and went for plenty. Pacers especially need get their rhythm back in line and length. Overall, everyone need to play more responsibly to get a positive outcome from the match.
Meanwhile, having registered a comprehensive win, Sri Lanka will look to produce a similar performance in the second ODI to seal the series. Sri Lanka’s complete performance in the first ODI marked a good start to their season post World Cup, with decisive contributions from their key players in every departments. They will realize the importance of maintaining consistency against an opposition who’ll be eager to stage a fightback.
Bangladesh’s performance at the Premadasa Stadium was not much different to that of last few World Cup matches. Bangladesh’s losing streak continues as Tigers won only three out of last ten ODI matches.
Bangladesh cricket team faithful’s will surely want to see that streak ends in today’s match but for that to happen Tigers need to redeem themselves in all three departments. However, in front of an inexperience Bangladesh side it will be a tough ask to down the Lankans.
