Bangladesh set for ODI series opener against Sri Lanka without senior stalwarts

Bangladesh begin the first of three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against Sri Lanka in Colombo today, notably without any members of the 'Big Five' who have shaped the team for over a decade.

With Mushfiqur Rahim stepping away from the 50-over format and Mahmudullah Riyad having retired from international cricket entirely, the series marks a new chapter for the Tigers.

Remarkably, the last time Bangladesh played an ODI without any of Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur, Shakib Al Hasan, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza or Tamim Iqbal was on 5 September 2005 – also against Sri Lanka.

Newly appointed captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz now faces a baptism of fire. He must steer a dressing room still unsettled by the sudden removal of Najmul Hossain Shanto as captain just before the Test leg of the tour.

One of Miraz's immediate challenges will be assigning roles to key players, including some of the more experienced names in the side.

With Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah no longer in the mix, a reshuffle of the middle order is unavoidable. Bangladesh also arrive on the back of six straight ODI defeats – far from ideal for a team hoping to turn over a new leaf.

The middle order now requires fresh anchors. The likes of Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, and possibly Miraz himself will need to provide stability. They have often struggled with acceleration during the middle overs, and how they adapt could prove decisive.

At the top of the order, Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Parvez Hossain Emon are expected to forge a new opening partnership. Their performances will be key to easing the uncertainty around the batting line-up. Mohammad Naim Sheikh, also in the squad, will be eager to make amends if selected – especially at the R. Premadasa Stadium, where his ODI career once faltered.

Despite being stripped of the captaincy, Shanto holds an excellent record against Sri Lanka in this format, averaging 85.50 across five ODIs. His form could once again be crucial in addressing the team's recurring batting woes.

The return of pace spearhead Taskin Ahmed offers a timely boost to the bowling unit, following his absence from recent T20I and Test outings.

The hosts, in contrast, appear more settled in the 50-over format. Their spin duo – Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana – have posed serious challenges for Bangladesh in recent meetings.

While the Tigers clinched a 2–1 series victory over Sri Lanka at home last time out, their away record is far less encouraging.

Bangladesh have played ten ODIs at the R. Premadasa Stadium – and lost every single one. As they take the field today, they continue their pursuit of a maiden ODI series victory on Sri Lankan soil.