Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | Bangladesh favourites against Sri Lanka, claims Mossadek Hossain
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Bangladesh all-rounder Mossadek Hossain has stated that the visitors will be firm favourites to win the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. Although Bangladesh are yet to win any series against Sri Lanka, this can be considered as the team’s best chance due to Sri Lanka’s growing problems.
So far, Bangladesh have played seven bilateral series against Sri Lanka and have only managed to draw against them on two occasions while losing the remaining five. While it is true that in many occasions, Bangladesh have given rise to the belief that they are indeed the second-best Asian side at the moment. The upcoming series will act as a great validation as the team will have a challenge at their disposal without the presence of Shakib Al Hasan and Liton Das. However, Mossadek Hossain believes that they have a fairly good side to topple the team from Emerald Isle.
"I think we are favourites against Sri Lanka. You see we are in a better position than them in both batting and bowling department and if you talk about experience then we are in a better position in that area too,” Mossadek told Cricbuzz.
The absence of Das and Shakib has come as an opportunity for Mossadek to cement his place in the side. A sensation since his U-19 days, the Mymensingh-born all-rounder, who was considered as heir apparent to Shakib’s colossal throne, has failed to impress in the limited opportunities he has got so far and will look to shine in the upcoming series.
"I did not think like that (Mahmudullah's absence in bowling) will help me ahead because since I debuted in ODIs, I had to bowl almost in every match. Even when Riyad bhai was regular in bowling, I had to bowl five-six overs in every match. It is true that his [Mahmudullah's] absence in bowling on a regular basis though I always consider myself to be a batting all-rounder. If I think that way, I'm getting more chance as a bowler and I will be ahead more as an all-rounder.
"Look, Shakib bhai won't be with us in the Sri Lanka series. That's why more opportunities may come in the bowling department. I may have to come in bowling early. Or I may have to bowl more overs than usual. Of course, I am prepared for that opportunity if I have to bowl more overs. I have a plan regarding that. I am focusing on every bit of opportunity that I will get. I am not thinking anything besides that," he said.
Bangladesh team will fly out on July 20 and 22 respectively for the three-match series that will be played on July 26, 28 and 31 in Colombo and will be the first international series in Sri Lanka ever since the deadly Ester Bombings.
