High riding Sri Lanka under glare against Bangladesh today

ONE team is coming with four series wins at home under their belt and the other with two back-to-back series defeats away from home when Sri Lanka meets Bangladesh in the first of three ODIs at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium under lights today.

- By Sa'adi Thawfeeq

The renaissance of Sri Lanka's ODI side is something to admire and that is why they are sitting at number 4 in the ICC rankings in comparison to Bangladesh who are 10th. With such a reputation, a lot will be expected from Sri Lanka to beat Bangladesh and win the series. It's a new series and Sri Lanka must make a fresh start and see if they can continue to do the good things that saw them getting elevated.

"When we play against any opponent there is always pressure but no special pressure although we are ranked higher," said Sri Lanka's ODI skipper Charith Asalanka. "What we look at it is whatever the opposition, we play according to our plans and to do the basics right."

"Our main aim is to be in the top 3. We are currently in the top 4. We are confident with our performance achieved in the recent past, but we still have a long way to go."

Asalanka said the team balance will be unchanged and they will be playing six batsmen, one bowling all-rounder and four bowlers.