BAN vs SL, 1st ODI | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

Sri Lanka won the T20I series vs Bangladesh [X.com]

On Wednesday, Asian rivalry will take the centre stage, with Bangladesh set to take on Sri Lanka in the first ODI of the three-match series. The high-voltage clash is scheduled at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. 

BAN vs SL, 1st ODI: Team Previews

Bangladesh 

Najmul Hossain Shanto holds key for BAN [X.com]

Hailed for their fighting spirit, Bangladesh have gradually risen from rookies to maestros of ODI cricket. However, their recent ODI record is nothing short of shambolic, as they have won only eleven of their 32 matches since 2023. 

However, this series gives them the opportunity to change their fortunes and regain their mojo going forward. The onus will be on skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, who exhibited sublime form last year, amassing 992 runs at an average of 41.33 and a strike rate of 85.81.

Apart from the southpaw, Litton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mahmudullah will form the Tigers' batting core, while Shoriful Islam and Taskin Ahmed will spearhead their bowling attack alongside Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Rishad Hossain. 

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Sri Lanka

Kusal Mendis was impressive in the T20Is

On the other hand, Sri Lanka have a significantly better ODI record of late, winning 21 of their 37 fixtures since 2023. They had a horrendous World Cup campaign in India, but followed it up with clinical series victories over Zimbabwe and Afghanistan. 

While flamboyant stroke players - Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka- bring dynamism to the table, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Pathum Nissanka ensure solidity in their batting order. 

However, their biggest match-winner could be Wanindu Hasaranga, who can outclass the opponent single-handedly through his incredible allround prowess. 

The lethal trio of Dilshan Madushanka, Lahiru Kumara and Pramod Madushan will lead the Lankan pace battery, with Maheesh Theekshana and Hasaranga playing as the primary spin options. 

BAN vs SL, 1st ODI: Match Details & Live Streaming

BAN vs SL, 1st ODI: Chattogram Pitch Report

The surface at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram will be flat and conducive for the batters in the first half. 

While the spinners will get decent turn throughout the day, the pacers might enjoy bowling under the lights with lateral movement on offer. The teams batting first have won four of the last five matches played at this venue. So, we expect the toss-winner to bat first and put runs on the board. 

BAN vs SL, 1st ODI: Probable Playing XIs

Bangladesh: Soumya Sarkar, Anamul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Litton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim (WK), Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman

Sri Lanka: Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Pramod Madushan, Lahiru Kumara

BAN vs SL, 1st ODI: Fantoss Fantasy Tips

BAN vs SL, 1st ODI: Winner prediction

With both teams looking rock-solid on paper, we expect a nail-biter to kickstart the series. However, given their recent ODI form, Sri Lanka might outclass Bangladesh to go one-nil up in the series. 

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BAN vs SL: 1st ODI Fantasy Predictions, Tips, Teams, Pitch Report & Top Picks

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