Litton To Open; Miraz In Middle, Shanto Demoted: Bangladesh Probable XI For 1st ODI vs Sri Lanka

Bangladesh will face SL in 1st ODI [Source: @saifahmed75/X]

On Wednesday, Bangladesh will take on Sri Lanka in the first ODI of the upcoming three-match series. The high-voltage encounter will be played at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. 

Led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh had a torrid time in the Test series, as the Lankans secured an emphatic 1-0 win following their stunning victory in the second game. Therefore, the Tigers will be desperate to put their best foot forward and kick off the ODI leg on a winning note. 

As Bangladesh gear up to face Sri Lanka in the first ODI, let's analyse and find out their probable playing XI for this match. 

Litton To Return As Opener, Shanto To Be Back At 3

Litton Das made a well-deserved comeback to Bangladesh's ODI squad for the Sri Lanka series after being ignored for the Champions Trophy. The stylish keeper-batter will likely reclaim his preferred opening slot. 

In 68 ODIs as an opener, Litton has struck 2074 runs at an average of 32.41 and a strike rate of 85.42. If he opens the batting with the left-handed Tanzid Hasan, former captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who opened in the Champions Trophy, will be demoted to the number three position, where he has excellent numbers as an ODI batter. 

(Najmul Hossain's ODI stats as opener and at no. 3)

The data presented in the above table suggests that Shanto has been a much better performer at three than in the opening slot. Thus, Litton's return has eased things for Shanto, who now gets an opportunity to get back to his preferred batting position. 

---

ALSO READ

3 Players Who Can Replace Najmul Shanto As Bangladesh Test Captain Post Resignation

---

Mehidy Hasan Miraz To Spearhead Middle Order With Hridoy And Jaker

Newly appointed captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be Bangladesh's frontline all-rounder in this match. Besides scoring crucial runs in the middle order, Mehidy could be the Tigers' mainstay with the ball on spin-friendly Sri Lankan decks. 

Towhid Hridoy, who has 984 ODI runs in 31 innings, will assist Miraz in the batting lineup. The duo will likely be followed by the swashbuckling Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain, who are expected to play as Bangladesh's finishers. 

Taskin, Mustafiz To Lead Pace Attack; Nahid, Tanzim, Mahmud In Race For One Slot

(Mustafizur and Taskin's stats in ODIs)

Experienced speedsters Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman will likely lead Bangladesh's pace attack. These two pacers have been the linchpin of the Tigers' fast-bowling, having led them to numerous victories with lethal spells. Taskin's overs with the new ball will be crucial, while Mustafizur will be a valuable asset for the visitors in slog overs. 

Meanwhile, there could be a toss-up between Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana and Hasan Mahmud for the third pacer's role. With Taskin back as the opening bowler, Bangladesh might prefer one between Nahid and Tanzim as their third pacer due to the extra pace factor. The dependable Rishad Hossain is expected to play as Bangladesh's lead spinner. 

Bangladesh Probable Playing XI For 1st ODI vs Sri Lanka

Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (WK), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (C), Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman,  Nahid Rana/Tanzim Hasan Sakib

---

ALSO READ

India's Bangladesh Tour Uncertain As BCCI Awaits Government Clearance, Reveals BCB Chief

---