The squad is forging their own identity in 50-over cricket and starting their ODI reconstruction process, according to Sri Lanka head coach Chris Silverwood. The team’s forthcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh would provide an excellent platform for this. Due to their ninth-place finish in the 2023 World Cup, Sri Lanka was not selected for the eight-team 2025 Champions Trophy.
Now that we’re in a fresh cycle, we’re once more aiming to play the kind of cricket we want to play in the upcoming World Cup. And this is just another step in the process of creating it, which is something that the team is attempting to invent. That’s precisely what we’re aiming to achieve. We’re attempting to maintain the momentum we generated during the series both at home and in Sri Lanka, where we produced some outstanding cricket. And before the first ODI, I’ll be pushing the boys to go out and do the same thing,” Silverwood stated.
“Even though you’re not competing for the Champions Trophy, you’re playing for your country, which is the motivation.” I believe you have witnessed two fervent teams representing their nations on the field. Additionally, I believe that just wearing that jersey and representing your nation should be enough to inspire you. We feel precisely that in our changing room. Thus, the drive is present,” he continued.
Pathum Nissanka’s comeback, having missed the T20I series because of a hamstring injury, will be a benefit for Sri Lanka. “Absolutely, regarding Nissanka’s availability for the ODIs, stated Silverwood. “I mentioned outstanding individual contributions previously. You specifically mention Pathum. Being the first player for Sri Lanka to score two tons in an ODI, I believe he accomplished something truly remarkable in Kandy.
And it goes without saying that we’re all incredibly happy with him in the changing area. In the recent past, he has demonstrated remarkable growth and consistency, emerging as a potentially highly valuable player in that batting lineup. He therefore plays a crucial role in that batting order. I’m glad he’s here, Silverwood remarked.
Najmul Hossain Shanto, the captain of Bangladesh, is certain that his side can rebound well in 2023 following a mediocre showing in ODI cricket. Bangladesh, who placed eighth and just about missed out on winning the Champions Trophy, was the first team out of the World Cup. Bangladesh only managed nine wins and 14 losses in 2023, which was below average given their previous record of 50 wins and 31 losses between 2015 and 2022.
“Challenges will inevitably arise. Playing against any foreign team is never easy. We performed well from 2015 to 2022, therefore in 2023 you can have a poor year. However, we must return this year as a cohesive unit, and we are ready for that,” Najmul stated. “Whether we win or lose, what matters is that we can play as a team.
“We wanted to win every match, in every circumstance, therefore we attempted to play the New Zealand series as a team. The strategy is to perform well as a team and help one another through to the next World Cup. Supporting that player is important, particularly when they are going through a difficult time. How unified we are will be crucial over the next three years.”
On March 13, the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka One-Day International (ODI) series begins in Chattogram, which will also host the next two ODIs, which are scheduled for March 15 and 18.
