|| CF DESK ||

Sri Lanka is brimming with determination as they gear up to face off against arch-rivals Bangladesh in the upcoming one-day international series, asserted coach Chris Silverwood on Tuesday.

Throughout this tour, tensions have simmered between the two sides, fueled by the memorable first ‘Timed-Out’ dismissal in the 146-year annals of international cricket during their World Cup encounter last year.

Sri Lanka brought up the incident after clinching the tour's Twenty20 series on Saturday, prompting Bangladesh to accuse their opponents of failing to move on.

"The rivalry is obviously great. I think we need good competition," Silverwood told reporters ahead of Wednesday's opener in Chittagong.

"We're going to play some competitive cricket. I expect exactly the same again... And obviously both teams will be looking for the same, I should imagine."

Sri Lanka's Mathews became the first player in the history of international cricket to be timed out during the World Cup match against Bangladesh.

Mathews found himself declared out after failing to take his stance within the mandated two-minute timeframe. Despite his protestation regarding a helmet strap issue, the umpires upheld the decision when Bangladesh opted to stand by their appeal.

Following Sri Lanka's triumphant performance in the third and final T20 match, they reignited the debate surrounding Mathews' dismissal by gesturing towards their wrists in celebration.

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto swiftly responded, accusing the visiting team of being fixated on the timed-out incident rather than moving forward, describing them as "in a frenzy about it."

Adding to the contentious atmosphere, Bangladesh batsman Tawhid Hridoy faced repercussions for his post-dismissal conduct, with the International Cricket Council levying a fine of 15 percent of his match fees for displaying aggressive and inappropriate behavior towards Sri Lankan players.

Traditionally dominant in the 50-over format, Bangladesh's prowess has been formidable, boasting an unbeaten home record in the format for seven consecutive years until 2023, when defeats against England and Afghanistan punctuated their otherwise impressive streak.