Bangladesh are poised to commence a vital three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka on Wednesday at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. The opening encounter of a three-match series is scheduled for 3:00 PM Bangladesh time, with the tourists eager to rebound after their recent 1-0 Test series defeat.
All eyes will be on Mehidy Hasan Miraz as he steps into the captaincy role. His initial move at the toss will offer a key insight into his strategic approach. While a consistent presence in the ODI lineup, Mehidy has typically been a flexible member of the batting order, though his ability to adapt his innings has noticeably improved. A significant early challenge for him will be to define his own batting position or role, a decision that could provide crucial stability to the entire team.
The selection of Bangladesh's opening pair presents a notable challenge. With established opener Tanzid Hasan in the squad, the return of Litton Das and Mohammad Naim introduces competition for the second opener's slot. Soumya Sarkar has been left out to focus on his fitness, and Parvez Hossain Emon, despite being part of the ODI squad, is still developing in this format. Litton, despite a recent dip in form that led to his Champions Trophy omission, might be favoured due to his experience and seniority. His wicket-keeping skills would also offer greater flexibility in the team composition. Najmul Hossain Shanto is anticipated to revert to his customary No. 3 position, notwithstanding his impressive 77 runs while opening in Bangladesh's last ODI.
Bangladesh faces its most significant hurdle in revitalising its middle order. The retirements of Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah, coupled with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Shakib Al Hasan's international future, have created a substantial void, representing approximately 760 ODIs worth of experience. Nevertheless, there's potential among the newer talents. Towhid Hridoy has already featured in 35 ODIs, and Mehidy has demonstrated improvements in his white-ball batting. Jaker Ali has impressed across all three formats but has limited ODI experience with just seven appearances. Shamim Hossain, primarily a T20 hitter, provides an option as a middle-order back-up. The absence of Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan, and Mosaddek Hossain, all possessing international experience and solid List A records, is a point of discussion. Even uncapped Irfan Sukkur has consistently performed in the middle order during the Dhaka Premier League over the past three years.
Bangladesh's spin attack has experienced a considerable decline since Shakib's last ODI in November 2023, averaging 65.69 in 15 matches and securing only 23 wickets. Mehidy himself has managed just nine wickets at an average of 71.44, with Rishad Hossain and Nasum Ahmed not consistently performing. Left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam remains uncapped in ODIs and struggled in the recent T20Is against UAE. This deficiency is particularly concerning as Sri Lanka has boasted the most effective home spin attack since November 2023.
Given the challenges in the spin department, Mehidy will undoubtedly rely more heavily on his pace bowlers. The return of Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman is a significant boost. Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, and Tanzim Hasan have also demonstrated their capabilities in both red and white-ball formats. Mehidy's capacity to identify and strategically deploy his ODI pace specialists, particularly with the 2027 World Cup in mind, will be paramount, especially how he integrates Rana and Tanzim alongside the established duo of Taskin and Mustafizur.
A series victory against Sri Lanka could see Bangladesh ascend in the ODI rankings. Mehidy faces the formidable task of steering Bangladesh towards direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup, as the team currently finds itself in a precarious position.
Furthermore, Mehidy must meet the significant expectations placed upon him as Bangladesh's ODI captain. This format has historically been their strongest. Assuming leadership at a crucial juncture, Mehidy aims to replicate the success of former captain Tamim Iqbal, who maintained a healthy win-rate, and reverse the recent downturn witnessed under Shakib and Shanto, all while intently monitoring the global rankings.
