In a move aimed at strengthening their bowling attack ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has roped in former Pakistan pacer Aaqib Javed as the national team’s fast bowling coach. The 50-year-old, who is currently serving as the director of cricket operations and head coach of the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Premier League, will work with the Sri Lankan side until the conclusion of the marquee ICC event scheduled to be held in the West Indies and USA.
Janith Liyanage’s battling 101 went in vain as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 235, a total Bangladesh’s bowlers backed up by keeping things tight to register a 33-run win and claim the three-match ODI series 2-1 in Dhaka.
The promising Liyanage arrived at the crease with Sri Lanka struggling at 95 for 4 in the 23rd over. He anchored the innings superbly, reaching his maiden ODI century off 102 balls with some clean hitting through the off-side.
In the pivotal third One Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh’s pace bowling unit has the chance to rediscover their mojo and stamp their authority on the series decider. With the series delicately poised at 1-1, the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram hosts the deciding encounter, providing the fast bowlers with an opportunity to shine in the day-night affair.
The previous two matches in the series have been heavily influenced by the presence of dew, which has significantly favored the chasing side.
The first ODI between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Chattogram was shaping up to be a thrilling contest until the dew factor intervened, playing a pivotal role in the home team’s remarkable comeback victory. Sri Lanka, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, raced to 71 within the first 10 overs, courtesy of a blistering start from their openers. However, a middle-order collapse saw them settle for a modest total of 255, a score that seemed inadequate given their promising start.
In a thrilling ODI encounter, Bangladesh’s Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim defied the odds, overcoming a precarious situation to guide their team to a remarkable victory over Sri Lanka. Despite reducing the hosts to 92 for 4 in pursuit of 256, Sri Lanka’s bowling attack was rendered ineffective by the dew factor, allowing the duo to stitch together a match-winning 165-run partnership.
Shanto’s unbeaten 122 and Mushfiqur’s 73 not out proved instrumental in Bangladesh’s chase, as they tackled the challenges posed by the dew-laden outfield with remarkable composure and skill.
