Ban takes on SL in series-deciding 3rd ODI today

The series is now locked at 1-1, following Bangladesh's spirited 16-run victory in the second game. Bangladesh lost the first match by 77 runs after experiencing a horrendous collapse that saw them lose seven wickets for just five runs in only 26 balls.

"This is a big opportunity for us. If we can win the match, we'll create history, and that will be a boon for our cricket," Bangladesh opener Parvez Hossain Emon said during the pre-match press conference yesterday.

"The victory in the last match gave us a much-needed boost. Everyone in the dressing room is confident of winning the series. Hopefully, we'll be able to execute our plans well," he added.

However, statistics suggest Bangladesh have only once won a three-match ODI series after losing the first game - that came against South Africa in 2015.

Bangladesh, in fact, have never won an ODI series in Sri Lanka. They drew two three-match series 1-1 in 2013 and 2017, with one game on each occasion being washed out due to rain. The last time Bangladesh toured Sri Lanka for a bilateral series in 2019, they suffered a 3-0 whitewash.

This time, there is no fear of a whitewash, but Bangladesh have the opportunity to rewrite history. They could take inspiration from their recent success at home, having won the last two bilateral ODI series against Sri Lanka by 2-1 margins in 2021 and 2024.

Overall, the two sides have played 10 bilateral ODI series, with Bangladesh winning just two. Sri Lanka have won six series, while two were drawn.

In total, the two teams have met 59 times in ODI cricket, with Sri Lanka winning 44 matches and Bangladesh 13. Two matches ended without a result.

On Sri Lankan soil, Bangladesh have played 26 ODIs and won just two.

At Pallekele, the venue of the final ODI, the two sides have played two matches. Bangladesh won one in 2013 by three wickets (DLS method) and lost the other during the 2023 Asia Cup by five wickets after being bowled out for just 164.

The 2013 win at Pallekele marked Bangladesh's first victory on Sri Lankan soil in any format of cricket.

Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, who was rested in the second game, may return to the XI for the decider, possibly replacing Hasan Mahmud.

Mustafizur Rahman, though erratic at times, once again proved his credentials in the death overs. When Janith Liyanage was threatening to take the game away, Mustafizur deceived him with a clever slower delivery to end Sri Lanka's hopes.

Pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib also impressed with the ball and played a crucial 21-ball 33-run cameo that helped Bangladesh post a competitive 248 after being in trouble.

"The way Tanzim batted at the end was amazing. Those were very important runs," Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz said. "The way he attacked Hasaranga was crucial, since 220 and 250 are very different situations. Within the team, everyone believed we could make a comeback."

There were concerns over Najmul Hossain Shanto's physical condition after he suffered a muscle strain during the second game. However, it was learned that he did not report any further pain and took part in the team's practice session, reports BSS. 

Bangladesh: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Naim Sheikh, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Liton Das, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Patwari, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud.

Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga.