Bangladesh ready to take on Sri Lanka

DHAKA: Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan says his team will be looking to show its progress in international cricket when it takes on Sri Lanka in the opening match of a One-Day International tri-series on Monday.

"We are excited about the match," Shakib said on Sunday, adding that he expected a "competitive" match against the Sri Lankans. "It is a good opportunity for us to show that we are an improving side and playing good cricket against the giants."

Bangladesh's Australian-born coach Jamie Siddons said his team was ready for the series, which also features India.

"We have got enough preparation before the tournament," Siddons said.

Bangladesh announced its starting XI, leaving out allrounder Aftab Ahmed, opening batsman Shahriar Nafees, and bowlers Syed Rasel and Nazmul Hossain from the 15-man squad.

Ahmed and Nafees had only recently had their bans lifted for having played in the Indian Cricket League, which was not recognized by the International Cricket Council.

Shakib said the team has a good bowling combination with the inclusion of Rubel Hossain and uncapped fast bowler Shafiqul Islam.

Squads:

Bangladesh team: Shakib Al Hasan (captain), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Ashraful, Tamim Iqbal, Raqibul Hasan, Mahmud Ullah, Naeem Islam, Abdur Razzak, Rubel Hossain, Imrul Kayes, Shafiqul Islam.

Sri Lanka squad: Kumar Sangakkara (captain), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Silva, Thilina Kandamby, Lahiru Thirimanne, Muthumudalige Pushpakumara, Thissara Perera, Malinga Bandara, Nuwan Kulasekara, Thilan Thushara, Suraj Randiv, Suranga Lakmal, Chanaka Welegedara.

Match Name: 1st ODI
Teams: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium
Time: 1400 IST
Channel: Neo Cricket