If Shanto finally does not make the playing XI, it is believed that top-order batsman Naim Sheikh, who returned to the national team after two years, will take his position.
Shanto, who batted in the net, appeared uneasy during training runs and asked physiotherapist Bayzidul Islam to examine his left leg since he was experiencing some pain.
Bangladesh has the possibility to win their first ODI series in Sri Lanka at Pallekele now that the series is equal, and opener Parvez Hossain Emon acknowledges that it was a fantastic chance. “We have a great opportunity here. It will be a fantastic series victory if we win tomorrow’s match. Everyone has a sense of confidence. We’ve been getting more confident since the last game, so we’ll give it our all to win tomorrow,” Emon added.
“We have to be consistent. If we score runs early and consistently, it will be easier for the team to do well,” he said adding that they are not taking any extra pressure.
Emon, who scored 67 runs in the previous game, expressed disappointment at not being able to convert his half-century into 100 runs, but he also stated that he would like to maximize his performance in the series finale if he is given a start.
“I didn’t bat long in the last match. 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,” said.
“I try to assess the situation and play accordingly, and I try to play my natural game. I don’t have any set target. 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.”
Thilina Kandamby, the batting coach for Sri Lanka, expressed a similar opinion, stating that he anticipates a batting-friendly track in the series finale.
“Pallekele looks good for batting. I think there will be a good bounce as well. If you analyze the last few games at Pallekele, we have had batting-friendly tracks,” he said.
“If you take the last game, the middle order-Charith and Kamindu-got into a shell. You have to admit that the three spinners bowled well. We have discussed the options we could take to come out of tricky situations like that. During training, we intend to work on those areas,” adding that they are not worried about the result rather concentrating on the process.
“We are not putting pressure on ourselves by thinking about the series. We are focusing on the process.”
