Bangladesh Opt to Bowl in First ODI Against Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and elected to bat first in the three-match ODI series-opening game against Bangladesh at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo today. Bangladesh which lost the preceding two-match Test series 1-0 handed debuts to two players-opener Parvez Hossain Emon and left-arm spinner Tanvir Ahmed. Both of the cricketers however had already made a T20 debut and showed their credentials that created a way for their ODI debut. Emon in fact was chosen ahead of Naim Sheikh, who returned to the national team after two years following a consistent performance in the domestic circuit. "We've two debutants today. They're working hard and deserved the debuts," said Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who also made his debut as permanent captain for Bangladesh in ODI format. "The conditions have been challenging, we've prepared well and looking forward to the match," he added.

Sri Lanka which gradually regained the aura in ODI cricket, following a disaster World Cup campaign in 2023, had one debutant in Milan Rathnayake. After the World Cup, in which they finished ninth and as a result missed the Champions Trophy this year, Sri Lanka beat teams like Australia and India at their home den. Captain Asalanka said they chose to bat first as the pitch looked ideal for batting. "We will bat first. Looks like a good pitch, we'll look to put runs on the board. We have one debutant," Asalanka said. "Dew could be a factor, but looking at the pitch, we've gone in with the extra pacer." Line Ups: Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das(w), Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz(c), Jaker Ali Anik, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka(c), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Milan Priyanath Rathnayake, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando.