Sri Lanka's head coach Chris Silverwood welcomes the fierce competition between the two teams and highlights the value of competitive cricket as his team prepares for the ODI series against Bangladesh. Starting tomorrow at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, the series is expected to be intense given the emotions from past meetings.


Ahead of the highly anticipated ODI series against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka's head coach Chris Silverwood embraces the spirited rivalry between the two teams, acknowledging the competitive edge that fuels their encounters. Despite simmering tensions and contentious incidents in recent years, Silverwood remains focused on the task at hand, emphasizing the importance of playing strong cricket and maintaining the integrity of the game.

The rivalry between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka dates back to 2018, with tensions escalating over issues such as the infamous 'Nagin Dance' controversy and the contentious 'Timed Out' dismissal incident involving Shakib Al Hasan and Angelo Mathews. Despite these incidents, Silverwood emphasizes the need for healthy competition and mutual respect on the field, recognizing the passion and pride that both teams bring to the game.

Reflecting on the recent T20 series victory, Silverwood highlights the momentum gained by Sri Lanka, which they aim to carry forward into the upcoming ODI series. With the goal of building towards the next World Cup, Sri Lanka is committed to refining their brand of cricket and executing their game plan with precision and determination.

Despite setbacks such as missing out on qualification for the ICC Champions Trophy, Silverwood maintains that Sri Lanka's ultimate goal remains winning the next World Cup. Motivated by the opportunity to represent their country and driven by a strong sense of national pride, the Sri Lankan team is determined to excel on the field and give their best performance in pursuit of glory on the international stage.

As the stage is set for another chapter in the enduring rivalry between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, fans can expect an exhilarating contest filled with passion, skill, and determination as both teams vie for supremacy in the ODI series. With the weight of history and national pride on their shoulders, both sides are poised to deliver a spectacle that epitomizes the essence of cricketing rivalry and sportsmanship.