After an abandoned opener and Sri Lanka’s win in the 2nd One-Day International (ODI), the 3-match series is down to the decider that’ll be at the Pakiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium, Colombo, on the 6th of May, 2023, at 10:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
In the second ODI, Chamari Athapaththu (64) top-scored for Sri Lanka and was supported by Harshitha Samarawickrama (45*) and Kavisha Dilhari (25*), as the team finished on 186/5. Bangladesh, despite a resilient middle-order partnership from Nigar Sultana (37) and Fargana Hoque (24), suffered a collapse and was bowled out for 128, falling 58 short of the required.
Squads:
Sri Lanka – Chamari Athapaththu (C), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Nilakshi de Silva, Hansima Karunaratne, Hasini Perera, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Kumari, Anushka Sanjeewani, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Prasadini Weerakkody, Tharika Sewwandi, Kawya Kavindi, Rashmi Silva, Malsha Shehani, Inoshi Fernando, Oshadi Ranasinghe, Udeshika Prabodhani, Kavisha Dilhari, Sathya Sandeepani, Imesha Dulani
Bangladesh – Nigar Sultana (C, WK), Shorna Akter, Nahida Akter, Jahanara Alam, Disha Biswas, Fargana Hoque, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, Murshida Khatun, Sultana Khatun, Sanjida Akter Meghla, Lata Mondal, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Shamima Sultana, Fariha Trisna
Players to watch out:
Harshitha Samarawickrama
The 24-year-old in 20 ODI outings has accumulated 464 runs, at an average of 24.42, a strike rate of 63.56, and with a lone fifty to her name, has got the highest of 75. Harshitha looked in sublime touch during the 2nd ODI scoring a fine 45*.
Kavisha Dilhari
The 22-year-old in 12 ODIs, has scored 239 runs at an average of 29.87 and struck 6 wickets at an economy rate of 4.50. Kavisha followed her 30* from the rain-affected opener, with a 25 in the 2nd and bowling figures of 0/30 (4).
Murshida Khatun
The 23-year-old in 14 ODIs has scored 209 runs and has got the highest of 51*. Murshida had a start with a 16 in the 2nd ODI and has got to look to better her average of 17.41, by converting her starts.
Sultana Khatun
The 27-year-old had a good start to her tour with figures of 32 with the bat and 1/8 with the ball in the warm-up game. Sultana debuted in the series and in 2 ODIs, has recorded figures of 1/46 (10) and 1/22 (6).
Pitch:
The 22 yards at the Pakiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium, Colombo make up a well-balanced center wicket. Batters find the pitch highly favorable, and the average score at the venue is in the 180s, while bowlers, particularly pacers, equally reap its benefits.
Weather:
With scattered thundershowers on the radar throughout the match duration, rain could once again play spoilsport, potentially resulting in a washout. The temperature is expected to hover around 29°C, with light winds and a humidity level of 83%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Nigar Sultana, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshi de Silva, Fargana Hoque, Chamari Athapaththu, Oshadi Ranasinghe, Kavisha Dilhari, Sultana Khatun, Inoka Ranaweera, Nahida Akter, Fahima Khatun
Match details:
Date – May 7, 2023
Time – 10:00 AM IST
Venue – Pakiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium, Colombo
Broadcast – All games of the bilateral series will be streamed live on the FanCode app and website.