Taskin returns, Sri Lanka unchanged as Bangladesh bowl first in decider

Sri Lanka have won the toss and opted to bat first as Taskin Ahmed returned for Bangladesh in the ODI series decider in Kandy.

The Tigers’ fast bowler replaced Hasan Mahmud in the team fielded at the Pallekele on Tuesday, while Sri Lanka remained unchanged.

Skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz is relishing the opportunity to win a first-ever series in Sri Lanka, while both sides look to capitalise on their set batters.

Parvez Hossain Emon struck 67 off 69 in the second ODI, while Kusal Mendis rollicked to 56 off 31, but when both batters fell, their batting orders fell apart.

A dramatic batting collapse, where Bangladesh lost seven wickets for only 5 runs, saw the visitors suffer a heavy defeat in the opener, before they turned around in the second game and secured a narrow 16-run win, leaving the series in the balance.

Bangladesh have won a three-match series only once after losing the first game, according to ESPNcricinfo.

TEAMS:

Bangladesh XI: 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Parvez Hossain, 3 Nazmul Hossain Shanto, 4 Shamim Hossain, 5 Towhid Hridoy, 6 Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), 7 Jaker Ali, 8 Tanzim Hasan, 9 Taskin Ahmed, 10 Tanvir Islam, 11 Mustafizur Rahman

Sri Lanka XI: 1 Nishan Madushka, 2 Pathum Nissanka, 3 Kusal Mendis, 4 Kamindu Mendis, 5 Charith Asalanka (capt.), 6 Janith Liyanage, 7 Dunith Wellalage, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Maheesh Theekshana, 10 Dushmantha Chameera, 11 Asitha Fernando