Bangladesh Opt to Bat First in Must-Win Second ODI Against Sri Lanka

DHAKA, 5 July 2025 (BSS): Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz won the toss and elected to bat first in the second One Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo today, aiming to level the series.

The match carries significant weight for Bangladesh after they suffered a 77-run defeat in the opening game. Another loss would hand Sri Lanka an unassailable lead in the three-match series, effectively rendering the final encounter a dead rubber.

Bangladesh had appeared on course for victory in the first ODI, chasing a target of 245 runs, before a dramatic batting collapse saw them lose seven wickets for just five runs in 26 balls, severely undermining their prospects.

In a bid to turn fortunes, Bangladesh made two changes to their squad. Liton Das and Taskin Ahmed were both omitted. Liton, who was dismissed without scoring in the opening match, has struggled recently, scoring just 13 runs across his last eight ODIs, including four ducks.

Taskin Ahmed’s omission surprised many, especially after his impressive comeback performance, taking 4 wickets for 47 runs in his first match following injury. The reasons for his exclusion have not been disclosed.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have made two changes as they seek to secure the series with a match to spare. Dunith Wellalage and Dushmanth Chameera have returned to the squad, replacing Milan Rathnayake and Eshan Malinga.

Playing XIs:

Bangladesh: Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Jaker Ali Anik (wicketkeeper), Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud.

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (captain), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando.