Sri Lanka are touring Bangladesh for a quick three match ODI series. The first ODI will take place on May 23, followed by the second ODI on May 25 and the third and final ODI will take place on May 28. All three games will take place in the Capital Dhaka. This is an important series for both sides as Sri Lanka will be looking to finalize their line-up for their home series against India in July.
Bangladesh started 2021 on a positive note, winning a series against the West Indies at home. However, Bangladesh has lost their last 10 international games which included four test matches, 3 ODIs and 3 T20s against New Zealand in New Zealand. Bangladesh wants to break that losing streak and have a great opportunity do to that at home.
If you are interested in betting on the Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh ODI series, do register at any of the sportsbooks listed below. Indian fans will also be keeping a close watch on this series to see how Sri Lanka fairs as it will give them a better idea on which team to back when India tours Sri Lanka in July 2021.
Our cricket experts break down both teams and look at their strengths and weaknesses heading into the first ODI. Sportsbooks have Bangladesh as slight betting favorites with odds of 1.75 while Sri Lanka are the underdogs with odds of 1.9.
Bangladesh – Strength and Weakness
While Bangladesh has lost their last 10 internationals, our experts are not reading too much into those losses as most teams have struggled when playing New Zealand in New Zealand. What we must take into consideration in that Bangladesh players great cricket when they play in Dhaka. Hence it comes as no surprise that Bangladesh is the betting favorite for the first ODI.
The biggest strength for Bangladesh is that they are going to be fielding their best team. Their best player all-rounder Shakib Al Hassan did not go to New Zealand as he was nursing an injury. He is now fit and raring to go against Sri Lanka. Bangladesh will play a very experienced squad captained by Tamim Iqbal and include a number of experienced players including Liton Das, Mustafizur Rahman, Mushfiqur Rahim and Soumya Sarkar.
One of the main weaknesses that captain Tamim Iqbal wants his players to work on is their fielding. Bangladesh can end up on the losing side if they continue to be lethargic in the field and drop catches. One reason for this could be due to the lack of match fitness and time in the middle which is brought on by the COVID19 pandemic. However, Bangladesh need to shake of the rust and play to their full potential if they are going to win.
Sri Lanka – Strength and Weakness
Kusal Perera will lead this squad that has a nice mix of experienced and new players. Angelo Matthews and Dinesh Chandimal are not on this tour but the captain along with Dasun Shanaka, Lakshan Sandakan, Danushka Gunathilaka and Isuru Udana bring enough domestic and international experience to the table.
This series is yet another chance for the young players in the squad to put their hand up and become the next big stars in Sri Lankan cricket. Watch out for the likes of Ashen Bandara, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando, Ramesh Mendis and Pathum Nissanka. The players who impress here will automatically make it into the squad that will play against India in July.
Verdict
We believe that Bangladesh will use the home advantage to get the better of Sri Lanka in the first ODI. If you are looking to bet on games apart from cricket, go ahead and register at the sportsbook listed below.
