Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will battle it out in the first One-Day International (ODI) of the three-match series in Colombo on Friday. In the previous five meetings in the 50-over format, both teams have emerged victorious twice with one draw. R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo will be the venue for the contest, which will be hosting its 129 ODI on Friday. Highest team score of 375-5 was registered by India while playing against Sri Lanka in 2017, whereas lowest team total of 86 was registered by the Netherlands while also playing against the home side in 2002. Highest individual score of 169 in a 50-over contest at the ground was scored by former Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batsman Kumara Sangakkara in 2013 whereas best bowling figures of 6-20 was registered by Mathews in 2009.
For the home side, the game is all about veteran pacer Lasith Malinga who will be playing his final match in the 50-over format, therefore, his teammates will be hoping the give the legendary pacer a fitting farewell. In the batting department, the Islanders will be depending on the likes of captain Dimuth Karunaratne, wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Perera, experienced Lahiru Thirimanne and veteran right-hander Angelo Mathews to score the bulk of the runs, whereas on the bowling front, the onus will be on the likes of pacers Malinga, Thisara Perera and off-spinner Akila Dananjaya to produce timely breakthroughs.
On the other hand, for Bangladesh, the series will be an opportunity to continue their momentum in white-ball cricket
