R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo – ODI Pitch Report
✅ Pitch Characteristics
- Type: Slow, dry surface typical of the subcontinent
- Nature: Starts good for batting, but slows down as the match progresses
- Ideal for: Spinners and slower bowlers, especially in the second innings
📊 Batting Averages – ODIs Only
| Innings | Average Score | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Innings | 270–280 | Favorable for stroke play |
| 2nd Innings | 250–260 | Slower pitch, increased turn |
| High Scores | 300+ possible | With proper top-order partnerships |
⚖️ Batting Advantage: First vs Second Innings
| Aspect | Batting First | Batting Second |
|---|---|---|
| Advantage | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Challenging after 30 overs |
| Reason | Fresh pitch, easier strokeplay | Pitch slows down, helps spinners |
| Ideal Choice | Teams winning toss often choose to bat | Chasing becomes harder in dry evening dew |
🔄 Pitch Behavior Change During Match
| Phase | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Early Overs | True bounce, ball comes on nicely |
| Middle Overs | Begins to grip, slows down |
| Final 10–15 overs | Becomes two-paced, harder to accelerate |
| Under lights | Slight dew possible, but minimal impact |
🔍 Pitch Report for Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh – 1st ODI July 2, 2:30 PM IST (09:00 GMT)
- 🏏 First batting advantage: Safer to post 270–300
- 🧤 Spinners dominate: Especially between overs 15–40
- ⚠️ Chasing is harder: Ball grips, shot timing becomes difficult
- 📈 A 280+ score is competitive and often match-winning
🏏 Sri Lanka – Top 5 Batsmen Stats
🏏Sri Lanka – Batsmen Likely to Score 30+
1️⃣ Pathum Nissanka
Reason:
- Strong ODI average (41.11), steady at the top.
- Plays pace and spin well on slow Asian pitches.
- Bangladesh’s new-ball bowlers (Taskin, Mustafizur) have struggled with line in recent away matches.
- He’ll bat early in best conditions (before the pitch slows down).
Chance to cross 30: High (75%)
2️⃣ Charith Asalanka
Reason:
- Calm middle-order presence, plays spin and pace with control.
- Will bat during overs 15–40 where he can exploit Bangladesh’s 5th bowling option.
- Proven form on this ground and Bangladesh bowlers lack a reliable spin finisher.
Chance to cross 30: Moderate–High (65%)
🏏 Bangladesh – Top 5 Batsmen Stats
🏏Bangladesh – Batsmen Likely to Score 30+
1️⃣ Towhid Hridoy
Reason:
- Currently Bangladesh’s most in-form batter – recent century in ODIs.
- Technically strong vs spin, crucial for negotiating Hasaranga & Theekshana in middle overs.
- Likely to bat at No. 4/5, avoiding new ball and capitalizing before death overs.
Chance to cross 30: High (70%)
2️⃣ Litton Das
Reason:
- ODI average of 30+, with attacking intent in powerplay.
- Sri Lankan pacers (Asitha, Madushanka) rely on swing—if the ball doesn’t move much early, Litton can capitalize.
- Has previously scored 90+ vs Sri Lanka in similar subcontinent conditions.
Chance to cross 30: Moderate–High (65%)