Bangladesh arrives into the three-match One-Day International series against Sri Lanka with a fresh look.
All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has taken over the reins from Najmul Hossain Shanto and the side is clearly in a rebuilding phase with veterans like Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah and Soumya Sarkar either retired or out of favour.
“We’ll definitely miss our seniors,” said Mehidy. “They’ve served Bangladesh cricket for a long time, and their absence leaves a big gap. But this is a chance for the younger boys to put their hands up.”
With the next World Cup two years away, the visitor sees this series as a springboard to blood fresh talent.
“This is a good platform to test our bench strength,” Mehidy added. “We’ve brought some exciting young players here and it’s an opportunity for them to establish their spots.”
While Sri Lanka sits comfortably at number four in the ICC ODI rankings, Bangladesh—languishing in 10th—has plenty to play for. A series win would see it leapfrog West Indies into ninth place, keeping its hopes alive for automatic qualification to the next World Cup to be staged in Africa in 2027.
“Every game is important,” Mehidy said. “We know what’s at stake. A series win here will go a long way in our qualification push.”
The second ODI will also take place in Colombo on Saturday, before the action shifts to the hill capital of Kandy for the final game at Pallekele on Tuesday.
The tour will conclude with a three-match T20I series.
