Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Tigers Look to Bounce Back After Batting Collapse in Crucial Clash

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Can Tigers Recover After Collapse in ODI Series?

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Second ODI Preview After Dramatic Collapse

The stage is set for the second ODI between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Colombo, and the buzz surrounding the game is intense. The spotlight remains on Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka after the Tigers suffered a stunning collapse in the first ODI. Now, they aim to bounce back and level the series.

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Learning From the First ODI Collapse

In the first ODI of the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka series, Bangladesh looked to be cruising at 100/1 in pursuit of a 245-run target. What followed shocked fans and pundits alike—a collapse that saw them lose 7 wickets for just 5 runs, eventually folding for 167.

Despite the loss, Bangladesh showed promise. Their bowlers, particularly Taskin Ahmed (4/47) and Tanzim Hasan Sakib (3/46), managed to restrict Sri Lanka to a modest total of 244. The batting started positively with Tanzid Hasan’s brisk 62 off 61 balls. However, panic and poor shot selection led to their downfall.

Sri Lanka Maintain Perfect ODI Record at Home vs Bangladesh

Sri Lanka will enter the second ODI brimming with confidence. They have a perfect record against Bangladesh at the R. Premadasa Stadium—winning all 11 previous ODIs. Led by Charith Asalanka, who anchored the first match with a fighting century, the team will aim to clinch the series with another win.

But it’s not all smooth sailing. Sri Lanka’s top-order struggled in the first match, and their fast bowlers lacked penetration on what was expected to be a pace-friendly pitch. Kamindu Mendis was the surprise package, picking up three wickets using both his arms.

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Key Players to Watch

Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka): After a poor start with the bat, Kamindu made a mark with the ball. His ambidextrous spin stunned Bangladesh and triggered their collapse. If the pitch supports turn, he could again be a match-winner.

Jaker Ali (Bangladesh): One of the few bright spots for Bangladesh, Jaker scored 51 off 64 and showed temperament under pressure. He could be a key middle-order pillar if given proper support.

Bangladesh Must Fix Middle Order Woes

To stay alive in the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka series, Bangladesh must strengthen their middle order. The lack of composure under pressure was evident, and as Taskin Ahmed admitted post-match, the team panicked after losing a couple of quick wickets.

Bangladesh coach and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz will need to rethink strategy, particularly whether to retain three seamers or bring in a specialist spinner like Rishad Hossain if he recovers from illness.

Sri Lanka Aim to Seal Series with Balanced Approach

For Sri Lanka, the second ODI is a golden chance to seal the series. While the bowling clicked, especially Hasaranga’s 4/10, their batting remains a concern. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis will need to step up at the top to avoid relying solely on Asalanka.

Their decision to include three seamers may be revisited, especially with the pitch looking more spin-friendly than expected. Dunith Wellalage may replace Milan Rathnayake if spin becomes a bigger factor.

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Team News and Predicted XIs

Sri Lanka (Probable XI): Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Milan Rathnayake/Dunith Wellalage, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga.

Bangladesh (Probable XI): Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wk), Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Jaker Ali, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanvir Islam/Rishad Hossain.

Weather and Pitch Report

Rain interruptions are expected in Colombo, which may influence team decisions, especially regarding spinners. The pitch began with some seam movement in the first ODI but settled into a more batting-friendly surface later on. Expect captains to choose batting first if they win the toss.

Head-to-Head and Stats to Know

• Sri Lanka have never lost to Bangladesh in 11 ODIs at the R Premadasa Stadium.
• Charith Asalanka has scored four of his five ODI tons after being forced to bat inside 15 overs.
• Wanindu Hasaranga is one run away from 1000 ODI runs and could become the 11th Sri Lankan to achieve the 1000-run and 100-wicket double.
• Taskin Ahmed has the most ODI wickets among active players in Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka clashes (26 wickets).

What They Said: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Reactions

“We had a great start, but then panicked. That cost us the game.” — Taskin Ahmed, Bangladesh fast bowler.

“I was expecting we’d win with five to seven overs in hand. The run-out and then two wickets in one over flipped the game.” — Tanzid Hasan on the first ODI collapse.

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Where to Watch Live

• Match Date: July 5
• Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
• Time: 2:30 PM IST
• TV Telecast: Sony Sports Network
• Live Streaming: SonyLIV App

Final Thoughts

The second ODI in the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka series promises high drama. With Sri Lanka eyeing a series win and Bangladesh desperate for redemption, all eyes will be on Colombo. Bangladesh’s ability to handle pressure and Sri Lanka’s top-order form will be the deciding factors.

If Bangladesh can hold their nerve, this could be the tight contest fans were hoping for in the first place. But if Sri Lanka keeps their cool and improves their top-order batting, they might just extend their dominance at home.

Stay tuned for live updates, analysis, and post-match reactions from the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka series!

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