Tigers leave for Colombo to play ODI series

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Bangla Tribune Desk
Published : 19:43, Jul 20, 2019 | Updated : 19:47, Jul 20, 2019

ICC Cricket World Cup - Bangladesh v Afghanistan - The Ageas Bowl, Southampton, Britain - June 24, 2019 Bangladesh`s Liton Das celebrates with team mates after taking the catch to dismiss Afghanistan`s Gulbadin Naib Action Images via ReutersBangladesh Cricket Team, eying to erase the World Cup disappointment, left the country on Saturday to play a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, reports BSS.
The first match of the series will be held on Jul 26, while the rest of the two ODIs are scheduled on Jul 28 and 31. All of the matches will be taken place in Colombo.
Tamim Iqbal leads the side after Mashrafe Bin Mortaza was ruled out due to a fresh hamstring injury. Alongside him all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin was also sidelined following a lower back pain
Team’s designated vice-captain Shakib Al Hasan earlier opted out the series, requesting a leave which was granted. Liton Das also misses out due to his marriage programme.
Pace bowler Taskin Ahmed and all-rounder Farhad Reza replaced Mashrafe and Saifuddin in the team at the last moment.
Selectors earlier called up Taijul Islam and Anamul Haque Bijoy in the place of Shakib and Liton.
The series was thrown into doubt following the Apr 21 Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka churches and hotels that killed more than 250 people.
Due to promises of providing the highest level of security to Tigers by Sri Lanka, the series has found steam and finally is rolled out.
“The series is important for us. Some of our important players are missing this series. It’s a big challenge for the guys who are in the squad,” Tamim who will lead the side for the first time in ODI cricket said prior to depart the country.
“It’ll be tough to face Sri Lanka at their home. They’re a strong side on the home soil. We have to play our best cricket to register a position result,” he added.
The is the first assignment of the Tiger following their disappointing World Cup in England and Wales where they finished at eighth in 10-team tournament after winning just three games.

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