Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are set to reignite their rivalry in a highly anticipated one-day international (ODI) series, with both teams eager to prove their dominance in the 50-over format. The series kicks off on Wednesday in Chittagong, and the atmosphere is already electric.
The current tour has been marked by a simmering rivalry between the two sides, stemming from the controversial timed-out dismissal of Sri Lankan batsman Angelo Mathews during their World Cup clash last year. Mathews became the first player in international cricket history to be dismissed in this manner, and the incident has continued to cast a shadow over the relationship between the teams.
Sri Lanka reignited the controversy after winning the Twenty20 series on Saturday, prompting Bangladesh to accuse their opponents of dwelling on the past. However, Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood insists that the rivalry is healthy and will only add to the intensity of the upcoming ODI series.
“The rivalry is obviously great. I think we need good competition,” Silverwood said. “We’re going to play some competitive cricket. I expect exactly the same again… And obviously both teams will be looking for the same, I should imagine.”
Bangladesh has traditionally been a formidable force in ODI cricket, boasting an impressive home record. However, they have suffered a dip in form in recent times, losing to both England and Afghanistan in 2023. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is confident that his team can bounce back against Sri Lanka.
“We played very good cricket from 2015 to 2022. So it can be a bad year. But it’s important to bounce back as a team and come back well this year,” Shanto said.
The second and third matches of the series will be held on March 15 and 18, and both teams will be determined to secure victory. The series promises to be a thrilling contest between two evenly matched sides, with the added spice of the ongoing rivalry between them.
