Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will lock horns in the 15th match of the World T20 Cup. The match will take place in the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Both the teams qualified for the Super-12 competition after clearing the group stage matches.
Both the teams have played 11 matches together and Sri Lanka have won seven times. However, Bangladesh have won the previous two times the teams have clashed. Moreover, they have played a single match in the history of the World T20 Cup, and Bangladesh had emerged out as the winner. So, it might be a task for Sri Lanka to beat Bangladesh in the Super 12 matches.
A bigger challenge awaits Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's performance was superb in the qualifiers and they made it to the Super-12 matches with ease. But a bigger challenge awaits the Lankans as there are far better teams in the Super 12 competition. Sri Lanka's top order has failed to contribute runs, and it will be a hurdle for them in the league matches. Sri Lankla relies heavily on Avishka Fernando's form and performance. Although Fernando is their top batsman, Pathum Nissanka scored a half-century in the practice match against Ireland as an opening batsman. Wanindu Hasaranga could prove to be the biggest trump card for Sri Lanka in this World Cup.
Bangladesh: The underdogs
Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka in the T20I the last time they met. Despite their batting order is not commendable, their overall squad is balanced. Bangladesh has top-3 batsmen in the form of Naim, Liton Das and Mahedi Hasan who can give the team a good start. Shakib Al Hasan Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim and Afif Hossain will strengthen the team in the middle order. Bangladesh is accustomed to play on a slow field because of their home conditions.
Weather Report
The minimum and maximum temperatures at Sharjah will be 25 and 34 degrees, respectively. The humidity will be around 66 percent and the chances of precipitation are nil.
Pitch Report
Sharjah's pitch does not give batsmen an edge, so they will be seen struggling here. The pitch is helpful for spinners and fast bowlers can pick up wickets using slow balls. After winning the toss, teams can opt to bowl first.
Probable Playing XI For Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera (wk), Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Chamika Karunaratne, Wanindu Hasaranga, Binura Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara
Probable Playing XI For Bangladesh
Mohammad Naim, Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah (c), Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman
Key Players
Sri Lanka:
Avishka Fernando
Pathum Nissanka
Bangladesh:
Liton Das
Shakib Al Hasan
