SSC and the dreaded 300

In the lead-up to the final match of the three-match ODI-series against Sri Lanka, although Bangladesh have looked the superior outfit, a major sticking point has been the second ODI being abandoned due to rain after Sri Lanka had scored 311.

A score greater than 300 has never been chased in Sri Lanka, so the general perception is that Bangladesh, who cannot lose the series now after having won the first match by 90 runs, were a little lucky to be in the situation they are in now. Therefore, the word 300 was heard a lot in press conferences yesterday.

"History has always changed. History is brought about because of change. I think they batted really well, but from our point we were very much confident, because the wicket was really good," said Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza when a local journalist asked him if Bangladesh were lucky to be 1-0 up.

"We knew that if there was a good partnership in the top order it was gettable because of the wicket. Our boys have been really positive; that was nice to see from the dressing room. But I would say, if you are going to chase anything over 300, it is always going to be difficult."

With the number 300 looming, sights turned to the pitch at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) ground. The venue is hosting an ODI match for the first time since February 2011.

"I have heard that 270-290 is the average score [here], which means that it can also go over 300," said Mashrafe. "I think we have to be mentally prepared for that, so if we can keep them below 300 it will be easier for the batsmen."

But 300 may not be as important as thought; the average first innings score in the 29 matches that teams batting first have played the full 50 overs is actually 243 at the SSC, while there have only been two scores over 300 in the 59 matches played here. Even more surprisingly the average total for sides batting first in List A matches here is 146. So 300 may not be the number to look out for today. According to Sri Lanka manager Asanka Gurusinha, there is a bit of grass on the surface that may encourage the seamers early on.

Also, since today's game will be a day game, the coin may not be as important as it was in Dambulla.

"The toss was very important [in Dambulla]. If you bat first, scoring 300 is very easy," said Mashrafe. "Maybe the ball would have swung a little bit at night in the first 10 overs, which is very difficult. Since this is a day game, we will not have that worry."