|| CF DESK ||

Bangladesh is eager for a resurgence as they gear up to kick off the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka at Chattogram's Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium tomorrow (Wednesday).

Following a closely fought three-match T20 series, which Sri Lanka narrowly clinched with a 2-1 victory, Bangladesh is determined to start the ODI series on a winning note.

In the T20 series opener, Sri Lanka secured a thrilling victory by three wickets, but Bangladesh swiftly retaliated in the second match, showcasing a commanding performance to secure an emphatic eight-wicket win and level the series.

However, the decider saw Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara's remarkable sling action, as he claimed a sensational five-wicket haul, including a hat-trick, dashing Bangladesh's hopes and securing the series for Sri Lanka.

With Thushara set to feature in the upcoming ODI series as well, Bangladesh faces the challenge of devising a robust strategy to counter his formidable bowling prowess.

The day before the match, skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto said that more than winning or losing, he wants his team to play as a unit.

"Win or lose, the most important thing is whether we are playing as a team or not," Shanto told the media in Chattogram today.

"In the New Zealand series, we wanted to play as a team. In every game, no matter the match situation, we strived to win. This will be our plan till the next World Cup to continue playing well as a team and supporting each other. Especially backing a player who is going through a rough patch," he added.

Bangladesh's impressive seven-year unbeaten streak in home ODI series came to an abrupt halt last year, marked by a disappointing 2-1 series defeat to England in March.

Subsequently, the Tigers faced further setbacks on their home turf, succumbing to defeats against Afghanistan and New Zealand in ODI series later in the year.

Shanto, prepares to lead the team as the permanent skipper in ODIs for the first time this Wednesday, he emphasizes the squad's resolute determination to bounce back from the disappointing results they faced in home ODIs throughout 2023.

"We played really good cricket from 2015 to 2022. We had one bad year, which can happen. But it's crucial that we bounce back as a team this year. We are well prepared to do that," the skipper added.