Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey

Sri Lanka v Bangladesh 3rd ODI Preview Dream11. SL vs BAN 3rd ODI Preview Dream11 Prediction 31st July 2019

A series highlighted by Lasith Malinga’s amazing farewell needed an excellent second ODI to capture worldwide attention. It wasn’t the case, with Bangladesh surrendering to hand Sri Lanka their first ODI series win at home in 44 months.

Indeed, it was the second straight clinical performance from Sri Lanka, who will now celebrate Nuwan Kulasekara’s career. Recent form is a welcome change from the very barren run since the beginning of 2017, where they had 12 wins from 54 completed ODIs at one point. The win against England in the World Cup has created a bit of spark, and they have the chance to continue the winning feeling.

On the other hand, one gets the feeling Tamim Iqbal won’t volunteer to be Bangladesh captain full time once Mashrafe Mortaza retires. The fill-in skipper has often looked overwhelmed, searching for ideas as he and his bowlers struggle for form. Can the Tigers turn it around and end this series on a high?

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Key to a Sri Lanka win

Ripping through Bangladesh’s top order has been a key theme this series. No Lasith Malinga meant no problem for Dimuth Karunaratne’s men in the second ODI, scything through Bangladesh, held up only by Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The template is set for consistent bowling against a Bangladesh lineup susceptible to losing regular wickets in the absence of Shakib Al Hasan, with the likes of Nuwan Pradeep, Akila Dananjaya and Isuru Udana tasked with inflicting more damage.

Also, how good was it to see Avishka Fernando in full flow? He wowed viewers with an array of drives and pulls that confirmed why he’s one player to watch after a superb World Cup campaign. With Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews also enjoying life against Bangladesh’s bowling, Sri Lanka can look forward to building another strong total.

Key to a Bangladesh win

Tamim Iqbal has been out bowled in his last six innings. His recent form has been a far cry from what he showed in 2018, where he was Bangladesh’s second leading run-scorer. If Bangladesh are to salvage pride, Tamim and Soumya Sarkar need to provide a strong start that the stuttering middle order can play off. With Mushfiqur Rahim, Sabbir Rahman and Mehidy Hasan Miraz all batting well, Bangladesh desperately need more from their top three and Mahmudullah.

“The way we bowled today, I doubt if even 300 would have been enough,” said Tamim after the second match. Mustafizur Rahman, despite his fine ODI record, needs to be delivering more in the early overs to get his side on the front foot. Also, this could be the time for Taskin Ahmed to be given a run, with the freedom to bowl as quickly as he can to create some impact for a side struggling. Early wickets are key to halt progress, and if Bangladesh continue to fall short in this area, another defeat likely awaits.

Pitch and Conditions

Scattered thunderstorms are forecast, but hopefully rain should have no say in this one. The pitch showed signs of slowness in the second ODI, and the pitch for this match could slow down as the game goes on.

Possible Playing 11

Sri Lanka could test some new players given that the series is over. One player they could give a chance to is Shehan Jayasuriya over Lahiru Thirimanne.

Sri Lanka: 1. Avishka Fernando, 2. Dimuth Karunaratne (c), 3. Kusal Perera, 4. Kusal Mendis (wk), 5. Angelo Mathews, 6. Shehan Jayasuriya, 7. Dhananjaya de Silva, 8. Isuru Udana, 9. Akila Dananjaya, 10. Lahiru Kamara, 11. Nuwan Pradeep

Bangladesh could give Taskin Ahmed a run given they have lost the series. Also, Anamul Haque could be in line for selection if Bangladesh want to give him some game time, with Mohammad Mithun failing to impress in this series to date.

Bangladesh: 1. Tamim Iqbal (c), 2. Soumya Sarkar, 3. Mohammad Mithun, 4. Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5. Mahmudullah, 6. Sabbir Rahman, 7. Mosaddek Hossain, 8. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9. Taijul Islam, 10. Taskin Ahmed/Shafiul Islam, 11. Mustafizur Rahman

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Option 2:

Stats and Facts

• Bangladesh have not finished winless in an ODI series in Asia since 2014.
• Sri Lanka’s last ODI clean sweep (series of more than one game) was in June 2016 vs Ireland.
• Mushfiqur Rahim became the third Bangladeshi to reach 6,000 ODI runs. Tamim Iqbal needs 110 to become the first to 7,000.

Match Prediction

Sri Lanka are well on top of Bangladesh in this series. They have outplayed them in all departments.

Bangladesh have the talent to put on a good display, but Sri Lanka are playing well enough to win again.

Thanks for reading!

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