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Mehidy Hasan Miraz Urges Senior Players to Step Up in Post-Mushfiq-Mahmudullah Era
Bangladesh Enter New ODI Chapter Without Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah
Bangladesh ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz has called on senior players to take greater responsibility as the team begins a fresh era in One Day Internationals (ODIs) without veteran campaigners Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad. The absence of these seasoned middle-order anchors poses a significant challenge for the Tigers as they prepare to face Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series starting July 2 at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
The series marks Bangladesh’s first outing in the 50-over format since their Champions Trophy campaign, and their first without Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah, both of whom officially retired from ODIs earlier this year.
Middle-Order Gaps and Injury Woes Add to Bangladesh’s Concerns
Bangladesh’s Selection Dilemma
The departure of the experienced duo has left key middle-order positions vacant, and Miraz emphasized that it is the duty of senior players like himself and Litton Das to fill those roles.
“We’ll try to fill those spots with experienced players. I can bat in one position, and the other might go to Litton. These are game-constructing roles, and they need calm heads,” said Mehidy at the pre-series press conference.
Bangladesh’s troubles are compounded by injury concerns—with Rishad Hossain nursing a niggle and Taskin Ahmed injuring his thumb during a catching drill on match-eve.
Leadership Harmony: Mehidy Dismisses Rift Speculation
The sudden shift in captaincy—removing Najmul Hossain Shanto from ODI leadership—has sparked speculation about tensions in the dressing room. However, Mehidy brushed aside such concerns, assuring fans and the media that there is no rift between him and Shanto.
“There’s no internal issue. When Shanto was captain, I supported him fully. Now that I’m captain, the same unity continues. For us, it’s always Bangladesh first,” Mehidy emphasized.
Direct Qualification in Jeopardy: Bangladesh Eye Critical Points
Bangladesh currently sit at No. 10 in the ICC ODI rankings, and are on the verge of missing direct qualification for the next ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. The top eight ranked teams will automatically qualify, making every match in the ongoing series vital.
“Every game matters. We can’t take pressure, but we must start strong. If we do that, the path becomes easier,” Mehidy said, highlighting the team’s roadmap toward World Cup qualification.
He also acknowledged the lack of ODI matches in recent times as a hurdle in maintaining rhythm. “We haven’t played many ODIs last year. Most of our time went into Test matches. But this year, with back-to-back ODI series lined up, we can build momentum.”
Asalanka Expects Runs, But Warns About Mustafizur Threat
Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka offered a contrasting perspective ahead of the series, noting that while the R. Premadasa pitch is traditionally spin-friendly, he expects a good batting surface for the opening ODI.
“I think we’ll get a batter-friendly pitch. It won’t assist spin too much,” Asalanka said.
The Lankan skipper also acknowledged the challenge of facing Mustafizur Rahman, stating, “He’s a top-quality bowler. We’ve planned for him, but we respect what he brings to the game.”
🔗Read about Mustafizur’s recent performance in the South Africa series
Series Context: Sri Lanka Riding High on Momentum
Sri Lanka enter the series brimming with confidence, having registered back-to-back home series wins against Australia and New Zealand. Their recent form and team balance make them a formidable opponent for a Bangladesh side still seeking consistency and identity in the 50-over format.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, are in transition—with a new leadership, injury setbacks, and the weight of World Cup qualification pressure looming large.
Match Preview Summary
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Series: Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka, 2025
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Format: 3-match ODI series
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Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
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Start Date: July 2, 2025
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Captains: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (BAN), Charith Asalanka (SL)
Time for the Seniors to Shine
This series will test Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s leadership skills and Bangladesh’s ability to rebuild without two of their most dependable finishers. With World Cup qualification hanging in the balance, the focus is firmly on how well the seniors respond to this challenge and whether Bangladesh can stabilize its ODI game under pressure.
