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After being postponed twice, it looks like this series is finally happening with the BD team set to fly out for SL today. Originally meant to be a 3 Test series, its been shortened to just 2 matches. The Super League ODIs, which were also postponed, is scheduled to take place just a few weeks later in Bangladesh...but that may be at risk since COVID has made a very worrying comeback to Bangladesh in recent weeks.

I am hoping for a good competitive series between two teams that have struggled of late.

A 2-0 win by Bangladesh will ensure both teams finish level on points, with presumably the runs per wicket ratio determining who avoids finishing in last place in the WTC table. All to play for for both sides then. Sri Lanka only need a draw to stay ahead of Bangladesh.

A lot of series' supposed to happen in Bangladesh are getting postponed due to some covid 19 lockdown in Bangladesh it seems. Like RSA women, PakU19.

Interesting that Bangladesh govt still thinks of lockdown as a solution because a lot of countries have given up on lockdowns.

In India we are witnessing a massive massive surge but we are not looking at strict lockdowns, only a few areas are under some sort of restrictions, else nothing much.

First Test begins in less than 12 hours (if my math is correct).

Apparently, we could see a green pitch in Pallekele, which is traditionally a more seam friendly venue. Shoriful has made his maiden call up to the Test squad, and I really hope he plays. Knowing our team management though, that hack Mithun will bat in the top 6 and Shoriful will warm the bench for this entire series.

Anyways I hope they select a decent playing XI.

Kriterion_BD wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 20, 2021 5:25 pm

Anyways I hope they select a decent playing XI.

Quite decent XI picked for the first time in recent memory. Best part is no Mohammad Mithun. Worst part is Mosaddek Hossain continues his run of being ill, injured, or having a family emergency before every Test series: a touch of fate even Sean Williams would be shocked by.

I've got about a half hour delay...but so far Bangladesh are off to a good start. The Sri Lankan seamers have bowled fairly well, beating the bat on numerous occaisions.

Tamim looking quite imperious...just played a gorgeous backfoot cover drive off a Lahiru delivery clocked at 149 clicks.

BD going with an extra bowler, bold move I don’t mind it at all.

jaybro wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 21, 2021 6:50 am

BD going with an extra bowler, bold move I don’t mind it at all.

Mehidy stepping up with the bat allows that. He's batting at 7 which is a good move IMO.

Saif Hassan just isn't good enough IMO. He's a classic example of a domestic all star who is not international class (his first class average is 40+).

Pitch is starting to flatten out. Bangladesh should be aiming at 350 at the minimum and ideally 400+. Scoring at a good clip, nearly 4 an over.

Tamim gone for a splendid 90 off 101 balls. Really needed to kick on, but 152-2 is a solid platform. This should be the real meat of the Bangladesh top/middle order here with Shanto (youth), Mominul (veteran), and Mushfiq (experience) taking the 3, 4, and 5 spots.

Its up to Shanto on 53 not out to try and get a big hundred here.

Fantastic batting effort here. Its been a very long time since we've seen such a batting performance from Bangladesh. Its especially heartening to see a young batsman get going. Tamim and Mushy still have 4-5 years left I feel, but youngsters need to step up and Shanto can finally say that he's delivered. He flirted with success with two solid knocks of 30 and 40 odd in Pakistan, but ultimately failed to press on. But that was all I needed to see to know he had the ability and technique, if only he could muster the temperament. A flat pitch and a weak bowling lineup could be what it takes to get him to the next level. Hope he presses on for a 150+ score today.

Mominul too looked solid, and will be itching to get his first away century. Still a bit to go to get there, but there's no better chance to cross that off your things-to-do list.

150 up for Shanto and first away century for Mominul!

These guys should bat sedately till lunch, but they need to up the tempo afterwards. Bat 5 overs past tea and then declare. But at the current rate, they will barely cross 500 by then, and they will likely need more than that.

Some tight bowling by SL on day 2, and some [overly IMO] defensive batting from Bangladesh erodes most of the advantages gained from day 1. This game has "draw" written all over it at the current time. Thats not to say a result isn't possible, as both teams love a good batting collapse, but the present match situation can only see one result which is a drawn Test.

There is a little bit of turn in the wicket, and some seam movement available.

It looks like BD wants to bat to a total of 600, which will take them nearly to tea, and either try to bowl SL out twice or if thats not possible, ensure they don't lose.

They lost 25 overs yesterday due to bad light, and will see extended hours today to try and get 98 overs bowled.