On Monday, Bangladesh's fast-bowling team will have a chance to establish themselves in a crucial game. With conditions strongly stacked against bowlers under lights in Chattogram, the ODI series versus Sri Lanka is tied at one all. Despite losing three wickets in the opening powerplay, the chasing team prevailed decisively because of the persistent dew in both games.
This will not be the case for the day's final ODI, which begins at 10 a.m. at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. The quick bowlers will still be happy that dew won't be an issue, even though the pitch is thought to be among the top batting wickets in the nation.
The match is crucial for Bangladesh's fast bowlers following a routine ODI World Cup performance in India the previous year. What was more disheartening was that it happened after an outstanding lead-up to the main championship. They made some progress in December when they played New Zealand, and now they can continue that progress at home against Sri Lanka.
But one blow has been struck to each pace unit ahead of the contest. Hasan Mahmud arrived in Chattogram as a replacement for Sunday afternoon's third One-Day International after Bangladesh's Tanzim Hasan Sakib was also ruled out due to a hamstring injury a few hours after Sri Lanka lost Dilshan Madushanka to the same injury on Sunday morning.
Bangladesh is poised to recall Mustafizur Rahman to the three-man assault, which currently includes Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam. All-rounder Chamika Karunaratne could need to be brought in by Sri Lanka to support Lahiru Kumara and Pramod Madushan in their pace attack.
On paper, both tempo attacks have an intriguing combination. Even though Sri Lanka's assault is more diverse and deep than any other department, the lack of Madushanka prevents them from having the special combination of left-arm pace and swing.
While Madushan has good swing but inconsistent control, Kumara is a hit-the-deck bowler. Karunaratne, who is helpful with the ball, will need to enter the game. However, Sri Lanka's offense is less potent now that Madushanka, who scored in his opening over in both games, is out of the picture.
While Madushan has good swing but inconsistent control, Kumara is a hit-the-deck bowler. Karunaratne, who is helpful with the ball, will need to enter the game. However, Sri Lanka's offense is less potent now that Madushanka, who scored in his opening over in both games, is out of the picture.