Parvez Hossain Emon knows exactly what he left on the table in Colombo. His 67 from 69 balls set up Bangladesh’s 16-run victory on Saturday, snapping an eight-match losing streak, yet he walked off feeling “guilty”. The opener wanted three figures, not a brisk half-century. With the series poised at 1-1, Tuesday’s decider at the Pallekele International Stadium offers a prompt chance to make amends.
“I didn’t bat long in the last match,” Parvez admitted on the eve of the game. “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. [Towhid] Hridoy bhai was unfortunate; he got run-out. We have been talking about it. If we get set, we need to play long innings.”
Bangladesh’s 248 all out in the second ODI owed much to Parvez and Hridoy, yet both fell before converting. A recurring theme this tour has been early aggression followed by premature risk. In Sri Lankan conditions, where movement often disappears after the new ball, occupying the crease generally rewards patience. That is the lesson Bangladesh’s young top order are trying to absorb without blunting their naturally attacking style.
Parvez insists the balance is achievable. “I try to assess the situation, and play accordingly, and I try to play my natural game,” he said. “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.”
His dismissal on Saturday, beaten by Wanindu Hasaranga’s googly, still rankles. “He is a good bowler, but he didn’t give me much trouble,” Parvez reflected. “I just missed the line on that delivery. Legspinners are important in world cricket, and Rishad [Hossain] is also doing well for us. I am sure if he gets a chance, he will do well.”
Confidence, brittle only a week ago, has begun to return to the Bangladesh dressing-room. The team’s last ODI series win away from home came more than a year ago, and Parvez senses the opportunity. “This is a big chance for us. If we win the match tomorrow, it will be a great series win. Everyone is feeling confident. After the win in the last match, the confidence has been building among us, so we will try our best to win tomorrow.”
Pallekele is widely considered one of Sri Lanka’s truer batting surfaces, with even bounce and quick outfields. If those conditions hold, a first international hundred for Parvez is not out of the question. More importantly for Bangladesh, a disciplined batting effort could deliver a rare away triumph and a timely injection of belief ahead of a busy winter.
