The series decider in Pallekele puts the spotlight squarely on rookie Parvez Hossain Emon. His 67 in the previous game was vital for leveling the series, but it also felt like a missed opportunity for a hundred.
For a player who just debuted, the next challenge is converting those promising starts into game-defining innings. This is his chance to prove he can not only save a match, but win one.
“I didn’t bat long in the last match,” he said at Monday’s press conference. “I was feeling guilty after getting out because I was set and the wicket was beautiful. I could have scored a hundred that day, and I felt bad about it.”
The series decider takes place Tuesday at Pallekele. A win for Bangladesh would make history — their first ODI series win in Sri Lanka.
Confidence Rising Inside the Squad
“This is a big chance for us,” Emon said. “If we win the match tomorrow, it will be a great series win. Everyone is feeling confident. After the win in the last match, the confidence has been building among us, so we will try our best.”
He isn’t setting a specific goal for himself. What matters more, he says, is staying grounded and reading the pitch well.
“I don’t have any set target,” he added. “I spoke to the guys who have played here earlier, and everyone is saying this wicket will be good for batting. I will try to play a big innings if I get a start.”
Learning from Experience
Emon was undone in the last game by Sri Lanka’s leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga. He felt there was room to handle that delivery better, despite everything else.
“He’s a quality bowler, but I handled him comfortably,” he said of Hasaranga. “I just missed the line on that delivery.”
He also mentioned Bangladesh’s own leg-spinner, Rishad Hossain, and suggested that the team has options when it comes to countering Sri Lanka’s spinners.
“Leg spinners are important in world cricket, and Rishad is also doing well for us. I am sure if he gets a chance, he will do well.”
Reflecting on Missed Partnerships
There was some frustration around the run-out of Towhid Hridoy in the second ODI. The pair was building a strong partnership before miscommunication led to Hridoy’s dismissal for 51.
“Hridoy bhai was unfortunate; he got run out,” Emon said. “We have been talking about it. If we get set, we need to play long innings.”
That mindset—valuing time at the crease over quick runs—might prove useful on a surface that could favor batters.
What Comes Next
First up is the ODI decider at 3:00 PM BST Tuesday. Then, the focus shifts to T20Is on July 10, 13, and 16.
For now, though, the focus remains on the decider. A win would give Bangladesh more than just a series. It would offer a rare away triumph and, perhaps, mark the rise of a new opening option in Parvez Emon.
