Sat Jul 05 08:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Sri Lanka Coach Jayasuriya Praises Team’s Composure, Urges Patience for Bangladesh
**Colombo, Sri Lanka -** Sri Lanka’s head coach Sanath Jayasuriya commended his team’s resilience after their 77-run victory over Bangladesh in the first ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday. The win gives Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Jayasuriya highlighted his team’s ability to maintain composure despite Bangladesh’s strong start. “The key was the way we put pressure on them. We didn’t panic although they were cruising after the first 15 overs,” he said. He credited a crucial run-out and disciplined bowling, particularly from the spinners, for turning the tide.
The victory was particularly sweet for Sri Lanka, who are focused on rebuilding their ODI team after missing out on the Champions Trophy. Jayasuriya praised captain Charith Asalanka’s role in instilling confidence within the squad.
Meanwhile, Jayasuriya also offered words of encouragement to the struggling Bangladesh side, who were without their experienced core of Mashrafe bin Mortaza, Shakib al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah for the first time in 20 years. A dramatic collapse saw them fall from 100 for 1 to 105 for 8.
Acknowledging the challenges of a transition period, Jayasuriya urged the Bangladesh management to “give opportunities to players, trust them and keep backing them.” He emphasized the importance of confidence and minimizing pressure on players during this rebuilding phase.
Looking ahead to the crucial second ODI on Saturday at the same venue, Bangladesh opener Tanzid Tamim revealed that the team has discussed strategies to counter Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga, particularly by maximizing the strike for left-handed batters. He also emphasized the need for set batsmen to bat deep and take the game to the end. Reports suggest that Jaker Ali may take on the gloves as the hosts look to shuffle the batting order.
In other team news, it has been confirmed that fast-bowler Taskin Ahmed will miss the second ODI due to workload management, but will be available for the third ODI and the subsequent T20I series.
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