Bangladesh opener Parvez Hossain Emon has urged his teammates to turn promising starts into substantial scores ahead of their series-deciding third and final ODI against Sri Lanka on Tuesday. The match in Pallekele represents a rare chance for the Tigers to clinch their maiden bilateral ODI series win on Sri Lankan soil.
Bangladesh levelled the three-match series 1–1 with a hard-fought win in the second ODI, ending a seven-match losing streak in the format. However, their continued struggle to convert solid starts into match-winning contributions remains a concern, as seen in both games so far.
In the opening fixture in Colombo, Tanzid Hasan Tamim impressed with a fluent 61-ball 62. But his dismissal at a critical juncture — caught at mid-off attempting to loft Wanindu Hasaranga — proved costly as Bangladesh faltered in their 245-run chase.
The second ODI saw improved performances from the top order, with Emon and Towhid Hridoy scoring 67 and 51 respectively. Yet both fell at inopportune moments, denying Bangladesh the opportunity to post a more imposing total.
“It’s true that we couldn’t build on our starts,” Emon admitted during a press conference on Monday. “I felt really bad after getting out because I was well set. The wicket was good and I could have scored a century. Hridoy bhai was unfortunately run out. We’ve discussed this in the team meeting — if we’re set, we need to go on and make it count.”
Despite the inconsistency, Emon said the morale in the camp is high following their recent victory and expressed optimism about their chances in the decider.
“This is a big opportunity for us. If we can win, everyone will regain confidence,” he said.
Bangladesh have only once come from 1–0 down to win a three-match ODI series — against South Africa in 2015 at home. In contrast, their record in Sri Lanka is less encouraging, with four series defeats and two drawn series from six previous bilateral contests.
Victory on Tuesday would not only mark a historic achievement for Bangladesh cricket but could also signal a turning point for a team seeking consistency and resilience away from home.