cricket
Five Best Test Knocks by Bangladesh Batters Against Sri Lanka: A Look Back
Bangladesh have played most of the 22 Test matches against Sri Lanka since becoming an ICC full member on June 26, 2000. In the longer-version format, Team Tigers has many memorable moments against the Lankan side. Some of Bangladesh's most remarkable Test knocks have come against Sri Lanka, which the fans will always remember. The two sides will meet again in a 2-match Test series starting on Sunday (May 15). There is an expectation that more remarkable individual performances will be witnessed during the 2022 BAN vs SL Test Series. Let’s refresh the old memories by looking back at Bangladesh’s five most outstanding Test knocks against Sri Lanka.
Brilliant individual Test innings by Bangladesh Players against Sri Lanka
Bangladesh batters have produced some remarkable individual Test innings against Sri Lanka. Here are five of Bangladesh's best individual innings that fans will never forget.
Mohammad Ashraful: 190 (Galle International Stadium, 2013)
As the scorecard indicates, the Galle pitch was a batting paradise. A total of eight centuries were scored in the match. Of those, three were scored by Bangladesh batters. However, displaying brilliant batsmanship against superior opposition while playing for a weaker team is never easy. That’s why Mohammad Ashraful’s 190-run knock in the first innings was a brilliant effort. The Bangladesh team also made a record in that particular innings by playing 196 overs, their most in Test cricket history.
Read Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Series 2022: ICC WTC standings predictions for both teams
Mushfiqur Rahim: 200 (Galle International Stadium, 2013)
Mushfiqur Rahim became the first Bangladesh player to score 200 runs during the first innings of the first Test in the 2013 bilateral series against Sri Lanka. It was a marathon innings by him, who made a 267-run stand with Mohammad Ashraful in the fifth wicket partnership. Bangladesh went on to score 638, their highest-ever Test score in an innings. Mushfiqur Rahim won the Player of the Match award for his magnificent batting effort.
Shakib Al Hasan: 116 (P Sara Oval, Colombo, 2017)
Shakib Al Hasan always comes into the scene whenever Bangladesh need him to step in. That’s exactly what he did against Sri Lanka in the first innings of the second Test in 2017. Bangladesh were 192/4 when Shakib came into bat. The visitors needed someone to play a big knock and get past Sri Lanka’s first innings total (338). Thanks to Shakib’s timely 116-run knock, Bangladesh managed to score 467 in their first innings and took a 129-run lead. Bangladesh went on to win the contest by 4 wickets and finish the series 1-1.
Read BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: Five Crucial Players for Bangladesh
Tamim Iqbal: 82 (P Sara Oval, Colombo, 2017)
Bangladesh made history in their 100th Test match, winning the contest by 4 wickets against Sri Lanka. Special credit should go to opener Tamim Iqbal, who played a responsible knock of 82 in the second innings and guided Bangladesh to a glorious victory. Chasing 191 runs on day-5 on a turning pitch was a daunting task. Thankfully, Tamim rose to the occasion and gave his side a strong start in the innings. When he departed, Bangladesh only required 60 more runs to clinch the match, which they did quite comfortably.
Mohammad Ashraful: 114 (Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, 2001)
The 17-year-old Mohammad Ashraful stunned the cricket world by scoring a century on his Test debut against Sri Lanka in 2001. He made 114 runs in the second innings and also had a century stand with veteran Aminul Islam Bulbul for the fifth wicket. Ashraful also became the youngest Test centurion ever with that hundred. It is one of the best-ever Test knocks by a Bangladeshi batter.
Read IPL 2022: Favourites to Reach the Playoffs
Bottom Line
A total of 15 centuries have been scored against Sri Lanka by Bangladesh players, and the majority of them were some efforts. Besides, the importance of some small innings also can’t be overlooked. Therefore, picking the best five was a difficult task. However, the above-mentioned have been the most memorable batting performances against Sri Lanka by Bangladesh players. The cricketers of the current Bangladesh squad can take inspiration from these innings to give their best effort in the BAN vs SL Test series 2022.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Series 2022: ICC WTC standings predictions for both teams
Cricket fans are excited about the longer-version Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka series 2022. The Lankans have a solid record against the Tigers in Test cricket. However, the current Sri Lankan Test team is expected to face stiff competition from the hosts Bangladesh Test team. The results of the contest will have an impact on the ongoing ICC Test Championship’s points table as both sides have a chance to improve their current positions. The probable ITC standings scenario at the end of BAN vs SL bilateral series 2022 is discussed in this article.
Fixtures for the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Series 2022
The two-match Test series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will begin on May 15 in Chattogram and finish in Dhaka.
Match
Venue
Time (Bangladesh Standard Time)
First Test (May 15-19)
ZACS, Chattogram
10 a.m.
Second Test (May 23-27)
SBNCS, Mirpur
10 a.m.
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-in-bangladesh-2022-1308485
Read IPL 2022: Favourites to Reach the Playoffs
Sri Lanka's most recent Test series against India ended in a 2-0 defeat, while Bangladesh lost their latest Test series to South Africa. As a result, both teams naturally fell to the ITC points table. Therefore, the following series will be critical for both teams to enhance their respective standings.
The outcome of the series will have an impact on their ICC Test rankings rating points. If Sri Lanka win 2-0, their rating points will rise, but their place will stay constant. If the Tigers win the series 2-0, Sri Lanka will drop one spot. However, Bangladesh's Test rankings will remain unchanged. At the moment, Bangladesh are ranked ninth in the ICC Test rankings with 51 rating points, while Sri Lanka are ranked seventh with 81 rating points.
Read BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: Five Crucial Players for Bangladesh
ICC World Test Championship (2021-2023): Probable Standings Scenario for Bangladesh and Sri Lanka
At the end of the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka series 2022, Bangladesh may improve one position in the ITC points standings, while Sri Lanka can move up to third place. Bangladesh are now in eighth place with 16.66 percentage, while Sri Lanka are in fifth place with 50 percent.
Bangladesh win (1-0)
Bangladesh will get a maximum of 24 points if they win the series 1-0, and they will remain in seventh place. On the other hand, Sri Lanka's percentage is anticipated to be 39, keeping them in fifth place.
Read Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2022: Squad comparison
Bangladesh win (2-0)
Bangladesh would replace the Windies in the seventh spot if they win the series 2-0. Bangladesh might have 37.50 percent, which is higher than the existing proportion in the West Indies. The position of Sri Lanka will not change.
Series draw (1-1)
Sri Lanka's points will rise if the series ends in a 1-1 draw, but the percentage will remain the same. However, Bangladesh's points and parentage will both improve, but their place will remain unchanged.
Read Mosaddek or Nayeem: Who Should Play in CTG Test of BAN vs SL Series 2022?
Series draw (0-0)
Sri Lanka's percentage will drop if the series ends in a 0-0 draw, and they will likely remain in fifth place. On the other side, Bangladesh will stay in eighth place with 16 points.
Sri Lanka win (1-0)
If Bangladesh lose the series 1-0 against Sri Lanka, their place in the points standings will remain unchanged. However, the Sri Lankan team will climb to fourth place in the standings.
Read BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: Who holds the advantage in records?
Sri Lanka win (2-0)
At the end of the series, Sri Lanka will have a good opportunity of moving up to third place in the ICC Test Championship points table. They must whitewash the hosts in order to finish third in the points standings. Oppositely, Bangladesh will remain in eighth place, just above England.
Bottom Line
Bangladesh can only go up one position in the ITC points standings if they whitewash Sri Lanka in the series. If the hosts can achieve the outcomes, it will be a great confidence booster for them. This confidence will help the Tigers Test team perform even better in the forthcoming series. The Sri Lankan Test team, on the other hand, may make a significant leap in the standings if they whitewash the hosts. This Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka series in 2022 will be a fantastic opportunity for them to improve their position in the ICC Test Championship (2021-2023).
Read BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: What would the combined XI look like?
IPL 2022: Favourites to Reach the Playoffs
The Gujarat Titans have surprised everyone by becoming the first team to qualify for the IPL 2022 playoffs with two games left. Oppositely, the first team to be knocked out of the league phase is the Mumbai Indians. There are still three spots up for grabs for the next round. Seven teams are fighting for these remaining spots. With 13 matches left before the end of the league phase, the battle for a place in the next round is heating up. Let’s take a look at the playoffs qualification scenarios for the 15th season of the Indian Premier League.
Which teams have the best chances to make the IPL 2022 playoffs?
Most teams have three games left in the league round in the fifteenth season of the Indian Premier League. Dropping points now will have a huge influence on the team's chances of making the playoffs. Here is the latest points table situation for the present IPL season.
Read: Rain interrupts Sri Lanka’s preparation for Bangladesh Tests
2022 Indian Premier League Points Table (as on May 10)
Position
Team
Match
Win
Loss
Points
NRR
1
Gujarat Titans (Q)
12
9
3
18
0.376
2
Lucknow SuperGiants
12
8
4
16
0.385
3
Rajasthan Royals
11
7
4
14
0.326
4
Royal Challengers Bangalore
12
7
5
14
-0.115
5
Delhi Capitals
11
5
6
10
0.150
6
Sunrisers Hyderabad
11
5
6
10
-0.031
7
Kolkata Knight Riders
12
5
7
10
-0.057
8
Punjab Kings
11
5
6
10
-0.231
9
Chennai Super Kings
11
4
7
8
0.028
10
Mumbai Indians (E)
11
2
9
4
-0.894
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Lucknow, Rajasthan, and Bangalore's chances of making the playoffs
The Lucknow SuperGiants, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore are in pole position for the quest for an IPL 2022 playoffs berth. Lucknow have 16 points and they can secure a spot in the next round even without winning their remaining matches in the league phase. But for that, they will have to rely on the outcomes of the other fixtures. On the other hand, Rajasthan and Bangalore are currently sitting in the third and fourth positions in the points table with 14 points each. Both teams are one win away from securing a place in the knockout phase.
Read: BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: Five Crucial Players for Bangladesh
The remaining fixtures of these three teams
Lucknow SuperGiants: Rajasthan Royals (May 15), Kolkata Knight Riders (May 18)
Rajasthan Royals: Delhi Capitals (May 11), Lucknow SuperGiants (May 15), Chennai Super Kings (May 20)
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Punjab Kings (May 13), Gujarat Titans (May 19)
What are the chances for Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Punjab, and Chennai to advance to the next round?
Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Punjab all have 10 points each. However, Delhi still have a strong chance to make it to the playoffs as they have three matches left. In addition, the Capitals have better run rates than the bottom teams in the points table. Chennai have 8 points and, mathematically, they are also in contention for a place in the playoffs. However, they have to rely on other fixtures to advance to the next phase.
Read: Shakib tests positive for Covid-19
The four teams' remaining matches
Delhi Capitals: Rajasthan Royals (May 11), Punjab Kings (May 16), Mumbai Indians (May 21)
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Kolkata Knight Riders (May 14), Mumbai Indians (May 17), Punjab Kings (May 22)
Kolkata Knight Riders: Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 14), Lucknow SuperGiants (May 18)
Punjab Kings: Royal Challengers Bangalore (May 13), Delhi Capitals (May 16)
Chennai Super Kings: Mumbai Indians (May 12), Gujarat Titans (May 15), Rajasthan Royals (May 20)
Aftermath
The Gujarat Titans have shown real promise in their maiden season in the Indian Premier League. They are the most consistent team in the season and have secured a place in the playoffs as the first team in this year’s edition. Among the other teams, Lucknow SuperGiants, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore are in good position for a playoff berth.
Read Shakib tests positive for Covid-19
However, the Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings, and Chennai Super Kings all have an outside chance to advance to the next round of IPL 2022. Aside from that, the most successful team in Indian Premier League history, Mumbai Indians are having a particularly difficult season this year. They are already out of contention for the knockout phase after only two victories in eleven games.
Shakib tests positive for Covid-19
Bangladesh star allrounder Shakib Al Hasan has tested positive for Covid-19 and thus he will not be available for the first Test against Sri Lanka starting from May 15 in Chattogram, it's been confirmed by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
Shakib’s unavailability surely comes as a blow for the hosts ahead of this series which is a part of the ICC World Test Championship.
It was not immediately clear if BCB will call a replacement for Shakib.
Shakib missed the second Test of the two-match series against South Africa due to a family emergency.
However, the allrounder took part in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League for the Legends of Rupganj.
READ: Shakib to play for Legends of Rupganj in Dhaka League
While the first Test of the Sri Lanka series will begin on May 15, the second and final Test will be played in Dhaka from May 23.
Bangladesh team is already in Chattogram while Sri Lanka are busy playing a two-day practice match in BKSP on May 10 and 11. They will travel to Chattogram after this practice match.
Rain interrupts Sri Lanka’s preparation for Bangladesh Tests
Ahead of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka got a two-day practice match at BKSP. But the most part of the first day of this match was washed away due to persistent rain.
The umpires called off the day after 8.3 overs. Sri Lanka were batting at 14 for one Asitha Fernando and Kusal Mendis were at the crease for 7 and 5 respectively.
Mukidul Islam bagged the only wicket that Sri Lanka have lost so far.
According to the Met office forecast, the rain will continue on Wednesday and it’s unlikely for Sri Lanka to have an ideal practice match.
The first Test of the series is scheduled to begin on May 15 in Chattogram. The Bangladesh team is already in the port city and they are gearing up for the series.
The second Test of the series will be played in Dhaka from May 23.
Both of these matches are parts of the ongoing cycle of the ICC World Test Championship.
Bangladesh played six matches in this event so far and won only a match against New Zealand earlier this year. However, they failed to continue on a good run in South Africa, where they suffered two big defeats to the hosts despite showing some decent cricket in the ODI series.
Critics say that Bangladesh’s win over New Zealand early this year was a fluke affair. The onus is now on the Tigers to prove them wrong in the upcoming series against a familiar opponent.
READ: Carty is first St Maarten cricketer picked for West Indies
While Bangladesh lost their last series to South Africa, Sri Lanka lost their last to India. So the upcoming series is a great chance for both teams to regain their confidence and get back to the winning streak.
Upon their arrival, Sri Lanka’s assistant coach Naveed Nawaz said that this series is going to be a tough one for them. But he also said that his team is upbeat to pose a strong challenge to the hosts as a few members of their team have recently played in Dhaka which will surely help them to perform well.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s biggest concern is the form of the batters like Mominul Haque and Mushfiuqr Rahim.
Mominul failed to reach a double-digit total in his last five Test innings while Mushfiqur, one of the mainstays of Bangladesh in all formats of the international cricket, scored only a fifty in his last eight innings with a duck and four single-digit scores.
Bangladesh will miss the service of Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the first Test as both of them are suffering from different injuries. To replace Taskin, BCB called up two uncapped pacers and to replace Mehidy, Nayeem Hasan got a recall.
BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: Five Crucial Players for Bangladesh
The BAN vs SL Test series 2022 is anticipated to be exciting, as both teams are confident in their ability to compete. Sri Lanka are under pressure to make a strong comeback in the forthcoming series following their previous series loss to India. On the other side, Bangladesh are hoping to win a Test series against Sri Lanka for the first time. However, the hosts will find it difficult to win a longer-version series. They need key players to step up during the competition. Let’s look at the five players who might be crucial for Bangladesh in the upcoming Test series.
Five Key Bangladesh Players for BAN vs SL Test Series 2022
Both the squads have some genuine talented cricketers who have the ability to change the scenario of a game. However, team tigers should feel confident in that perspective as on home soil, anyone can burst into the scene and do the job for the hosts. Let's have a glance at five Bangladesh players’ Test statistics who can be a difference-maker.
Mominul Haque
Test Inn: 95 | Runs: 3,514 | HS: 181 | Ave: 39.48 | 100s: 11
Test skipper Mominul Haque was recently heavily criticized for not showing enough leadership aptitude during the South Africa series. One of the criticisms was that the seniors' influence heavily on his decision-making. Mominul must demonstrate to everyone that he possesses leadership qualities and can guide the Test side with a clear vision.
Apart from his captaincy role, Mominul will be crucial for Bangladesh’s middle order. Thankfully, the left-hander has a brilliant record at home and there is an expectation that Mominul will find his rhythm during the series.
Read BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: What would the combined XI look like?
Tamim Iqbal
Test Inn: 125 | Runs: 4,848 | HS: 206 | Ave: 39.41 | 100s: 9
The veteran Tamim Iqbal will be vital for Bangladesh to strengthen the top order. He has to anchor the innings in order to give Bangladesh a great platform. If Tamim plays to his full potential, Bangladesh will surely find a good position in their innings.
Litton Das
Test Inn: 53 | Runs: 1,730 | HS: 114 | Ave: 33.26 | 100s: 2
Consistency is one of Litton Das's biggest problems. However, he has been in great form in the Test format over the past year. Litton has 871 runs in 19 innings with an average of 45.84 since January 2021. He will most likely bat in the middle order, with the responsibility of guiding Bangladesh's innings to a competitive total.
Read BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: Who holds the advantage in records?
Taijul Islam
Test Match: 36 | Wickets: 153 | BBI: 8/39 | Ave: 32.01 | 5Ws: 10
Left-arm orthodox spinner, Taijul’s home record has been excellent, with 115 wickets in 23 matches. Facing him in Bangladesh’s conditions is a nightmare for the opposition batters. The Lankan batting line-up will surely face an uphill task against Taijul Islam, especially on days 4 and 5.
Shakib Al Hasan
Test Match: 59 | Runs: 4,029 | HS: 217 | Ave: 39.50 | 100s: 5 | Wickets: 215 | BBI: 7/36 | Ave: 31.30 | 5Ws: 18
Tigers' biggest weapon in the series will be Shakib Al Hasan. He will lead the hosts' spin attack and could play a key role in the middle order. Shakib in his finest form is capable of putting the Lankan team under pressure and taking the game away from them.
Read Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2022: Squad comparison
Aftermath
At home, anyone from Bangladesh's team can fire up against Sri Lanka. However, the five key Bangladeshi players named above are more likely to step up for the hosts. Captain Mominul bears the main responsibility for bringing the team together, which is essential for team success. The efficient spin of Taijul Islam, the all-round contribution of Shakib Al Hasan, the anchor role of Tamim Iqbal as an opener, and Litton Das' recent Test form can all help Bangladesh win the BAN vs SL Test Series 2022.
Carty is first St Maarten cricketer picked for West Indies
Keacy Carty has become the first player from St. Maarten to be picked for the West Indies.
The 25-year-old Carty and fast bowlers Jayden Seales and Shermon Lewis were chosen for their first West Indies limited-overs international squad on Monday for short tours of the Netherlands and Pakistan. Seales and Lewis, however, have played at test level.
Not considered for selection were former captain Jason Holder and top-order batters Shimron Hetmyer and Evin Lewis. Holder is being rested to manage his workload, Hetmyer is home for the birth of his first child, and Lewis didn’t meet fitness criteria.
Read: BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: What would the combined XI look like?
The 25-year-old Carty scored 57 and 49 against England in March in a test warmup game for the CWI President’s XI.
“We were impressed with Carty and the way he goes about his innings,” head selector Desmond Haynes said of the uncapped batter. “We saw several glimpses of his ability the way he played against England. We hope that giving him this opportunity he will recognize the importance of representing West Indies. We think he is a young batsman with great promise, and this is the kind of tour he can show he fits in.”
The West Indies and the Netherlands meet for their first time in an ODI series in Amstelveen, with matches on May 31, June 2 and 4. Rawalpindi will host the Pakistan ODIs on June 8, 10 and 12.
Read: Political dissonance won’t hurt cricket, hopes Sri Lankan coach
“We have a very good group of young fast bowlers who have demonstrated their ability and we want to use these two tours to give them opportunities in the 50-over format,” Haynes said. “We have a week in The Netherlands and another week in Pakistan and this should provide them with quality opposition to bowl against as we build towards the Cricket World Cup in 2023.”
Political dissonance won’t hurt cricket, hopes Sri Lankan coach
Naveed Nawaz, the assistant coach of the Sri Lanka national cricket team, said the political dissonance in Sri Lanka at present won’t hurt the spirit of their team that is currently in Bangladesh to play a two-match Test series against the Tigers starting from May 15 in Chattogram.
The South Asian island nation has been reeling under economic crisis and political turmoil for months which eventually prompted the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to resign on Monday.
“So far I don’t think it has affected us,” Naveed said to reporters on Monday in Dhaka. “Most of the cricketers are continuing to do their hard work. Their training has been ongoing for a couple of months. I didn’t see an instance which affected the players.”
Sri Lanka held their first practice session on Monday at the academy ground in Mirpur.
Sri Lanka is currently in a nationwide curfew which was imposed by the police after the opponents of Rajapaksa broke into the clashes across the nation, mostly in Colombo, the capital.
“You can’t see many positives at the moment. It will be very good for us to take some positives back home. We want to keep inspiring the young generation of the country,” Naveed added.
READ: Naveed sees a bright future for Shoriful, Mahmudul
The upcoming series is Sri Lanka’s first Bangladesh tour in four years. They last toured Bangladesh in 2018. But Bangladesh is a familiar destination for many Sri Lankan cricketers.
Sri Lankan cricketers Dhananjaya De Silva and Kusal Mendis took part in the recently concluded Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League which is a List-A domestic competition.
Naveed believes the familiarity of Bangladesh might help Sri Lanka to do well in Bangladesh.
“We have both young and experienced players in our squad. Some of them played recently in Bangladesh. So we are waiting for a great series of cricket. I think it’s going to be a tough series for both teams,” Naveed added.
Sri Lanka will take part in a two-day practice match on May 10 and 11 in BKSP against the BCB XI.
The first Test of the series will be played in Chattogram from May 15 while the second and final Test of the series will take place in Dhaka from May 23. This series is a part of the ICC Test Championship. So far, Bangladesh won a match in this event.
Naveed sees a bright future for Shoriful, Mahmudul
Former head coach of Bangladesh U-19 national cricket team, Naveed Nawaz, sees a great future for the youngsters like Shoriful Islam and Mahmudul Hasan Joy. Both of them played in the ICC U-19 World Cup under Naveed in 2020 when Bangladesh won the title in South Africa.
Naveed left Bangladesh’s job after coaching the U-19 team in two world cups. He joined the Sri Lankan cricket board as the assistant coach of the national team.
The Sri Lanka national team arrived in Dhaka on Sunday to play a two-match Test series against the Tigers in Chattogram and Dhaka with the first match scheduled to begin on May 15 in Chattogram.
Also read: Sri Lankan cricket team arrives in Dhaka
“They have a great future,” Naveed said when he was asked about his former pupils. “Now I’m in the dressing room of their opponent, but it doesn't matter. They already proved their mettle, and they will play for Bangladesh for a longer period of time.”
Naveed will meet them in Chattogram when the Sri Lankan team travels there for the first match.
“They have the prospect to become the legends for Bangladesh. I think they will be happy to see me on Chattogram,” Naveed added.
Both Shoriful and Mahmudul spent a lot of time with Naveed during their early days of professional cricket, both have got their international caps too. Shoriful played three Tests, 10 ODIs and 19 T20Is so far while Mahmudul played four Tests.
Also read: Mustafiz should play Tests, not pick and choose: Khaled Mahmud
Mahmudul recorded his maiden Test ton during the last away series of Bangladesh in South Africa.
While the first Test of the upcoming series will begin on May 15, the second and final Test will be played in Dhaka from May 23. This series is a part of the ongoing cycle of the ICC Test Championship.
BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: What would the combined XI look like?
The BAN vs SL Test Series 2022 will be a part of the ICC’s World Test Championship. Both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka can improve their current standings in the World Test Championship at the conclusion of this series. As a result, players will be motivated to give their all during the competition. Furthermore, players on both sides are usually eager to give their all whenever these two teams meet due to their history. Let's take a look at who can make it to a combined Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Test XI.
2022 Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Test Series: The best combined XI
The Bangladesh cricketers have been granted a little preference in the combined XI selection because they are playing on home soil. One of the reasons for this is their relatively strong performance in Bangladeshi conditions. Moreover, Sri Lankan cricketers' success in sub-continental conditions is noteworthy. This has been considered as well.
1) Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh)
Test Inn: 125 | Runs: 4,848 | HS: 206 | Ave: 39.41 | 100s: 9
The veteran Tamim has one of the best batting records among the Bangladesh batters. He could be one of the major headaches for the Lankan side during the series. Tamim will play the anchor role for Bangladesh and he can single-handedly take the game away from the opposition.
Read BAN vs SL Test Series 2022: Who holds the advantage in records?
2) Dimuth Karunaratne (Sri Lanka)
Test Inn: 147 | Runs: 5,620 | HS: 244 | Ave: 39.57 | 100s: 14
Sri Lankan captain Karunaratne has the highest number of centuries (14) on both sides. He is the most consistent Test batter among the Lankan players. Dimuth Karunaratne will have to play a crucial role for the visitors during the series.
3) Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)
Test Inn: 93 | Runs: 3,078 | HS: 196 | Ave: 34.58 | 100s: 7
Two years ago, Kusal played a match-winning knock against South Africa away from home. Since then, he has had a special place on the Lankan side. Kusal is a big-match player and can step up when needed.
Read Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2022: Squad comparison
4) Mominul Haque (Bangladesh)
Test Inn: 95 | Runs: 3,514 | HS: 181 | Ave: 39.48 | 100s: 11
Bangladesh skipper Mominul Haque has a brilliant record at home. He has more than a 50 average in 49 innings in Bangladesh. Mominul’s captaincy and his batting performance in the middle-order will be crucial for the hosts.
5) Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh)
Test Inn: 148 | Runs: 4,932 | HS: 219* | Ave: 36.26 | 100s: 7
Mr. dependable Mushfiqur Rahim is the heart of Bangladesh's middle-order. He can be lethal with the bat during the BAN vs SL Test Series 2022.
Read Mosaddek or Nayeem: Who Should Play in CTG Test of BAN vs SL Series 2022?
6) Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
Test Match: 59 | Runs: 4,029 | HS: 217 | Ave: 39.50 | 100s: 5 | Wickets: 215 | BBI: 7/36 | Ave: 31.30 | 5Ws: 18
Shakib is an automatic choice for the number six spot. He is the best player between the two teams and will be vital in the series’ final outcome. Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal are also experienced players and can easily find a place in the playing XI. However, given their recent performances, others deserve more than them.
7) Litton Das (Bangladesh)
Test Inn: 53 | Runs: 1,730 | HS: 114 | Ave: 33.26 | 100s: 2
Wicket-keeper batter Litton Das has been one of the most consistent batters since 2021. He has matured a lot as a genuine Test batter. Litton can play a vital role lower down the order for Bangladesh.
Read Australia names full-strength squads for Sri Lanka tour
8) Praveen Jayawickrama (Sri Lanka)
Test Match: 4 | Wickets: 25 | BBI: 6/92 | Ave: 19.48 | 5Ws: 2
Bangladesh’s pitches could be ideal for Lankan young left-arm orthodox spinner Jayawickrama to shine with the ball. He could put pressure on the Bangladesh batters at the crucial stages of a contest.
9) Lasith Embuldeniya (Sri Lanka)
Test Match: 15 | Wickets: 70 | BBI: 7/137 | Ave: 34.77 | 5Ws: 5
Embuldeniya has had a brilliant start to his Test career. He has picked up 70 wickets in just 15 matches, showing his wicket-taking ability. Bangladesh’s batters should be watchful against Lasith Embuldeniya.
Read Men's Asian Games Hockey Qualifier 2022: Bangladesh's Full Fixtures, Squad
10) Taijul Islam (Bangladesh)
Test Match: 36 | Wickets: 153 | BBI: 8/39 | Ave: 32.01 | 5Ws: 10
Among the Bangladesh bowlers, Taijul Islam has the best record in home conditions. Taijul has picked up 115 wickets in just 23 matches in Bangladesh, which shows his effectiveness on slow pitches.
11) Vishwa Fernando (Sri Lanka)
Test Match: 16 | Wickets: 43 | BBI: 5/101 | Ave: 37.30 | 5Ws: 1
Pace bowling is the weakest link for both sides. Lankan left-arm pacer Vishwa Fernando has the most wickets among the two teams’ pace bowlers. Fernando's stats show that he is more capable of picking up wickets than others.
Read 2022 Happy Mother’s Day: Five Athletes Who Make a Big Comeback After Becoming Mothers
Afterward
Finding the best-combined XI from a pool of excellent players is never an easy task. The combined Test XI for Bangladesh and Sri Lanka was selected depending on their recent bilateral series performances and overall contribution to their respective country in the longer-version format. The picked players have shown consistency, and their performances have had a significant influence on their respective teams' outcomes. The BAN vs SL Test Series 2022 is expected to be a highly contested affair.