Asia Cup T20 Match 5 Preview: Confident Bangladesh take on Sri Lanka in a key encounter

Bangladesh will know that the outcome of their match against Sri Lanka may well determine the way the Asia Cup pans out for them. While a win will keep them in contention for the final, a loss is likely to end their challenge. The Islanders, on the other hand, will look to continue their unbeaten run in the competition. Mirpur has seen low-scoring games so far in the main draw. The weather is expected to be good for this match.

Bangladesh:

Bangladesh’s ODI dominance at home hasn’t yet transferred to the shortest format. Though, their victory over qualifiers UAE was more comprehensive than that of Sri Lanka. The likes of Mahmudullah, Mustafizur Rahman and Mohammad Mithun will have to continue their form while the others will also look to contribute more. Mashrafe Mortaza has bowled well and will continue to lead from the front.

Bangladesh will want more contributions from Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim and Sabbir Rahman. The trio has a big match temperament and their team will be well served if they step up in this crunch game. How the batsmen of the hosts handle the Sri Lankan bowlers may well determine the outcome of the match. Bangladesh is unlikely to make many changes because they are looking for stability in their batting line-up. Their bowling attack is also doing well, and may also stay unchanged.

Sri Lanka:

Sri Lanka is likely to trial their new-look top order again, and will probably back their experienced bowlers once more. However, there is some doubt over Lasith Malinga’s knee which continues to trouble him despite the long break from international cricket. Sri Lanka will make a call on his availability on match day. It will be a major blow for the visitors if their captain misses out on such an important game. He looked sharp and on the money from the first ball against U.A.E hence the team will pray that he is fit and available for this game.

Over the past year, Sri Lanka has had its share of struggles. The form of their batsmen has been a major worry and they will need to deliver more if the team is to post challenging totals on the board.  Dinesh Chandimal appears the best option in the opening position. He often takes a little time to settle in but has been known to clear the infield when in a flow. Tillakaratne Dilshan will look to play his natural aggressive brand of cricket and take the attack to the opposition bowler. The likes of Angelo Matthews and Milinda Siriwardana and Dasun Shanaka will need to contribute more against an impressive pace battery of the hosts.

Probable XI:

Bangladesh:

Soumya Sarkar, Mohammad Mithun, Sabbir Rahman, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Al-Amin Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed.

Sri Lanka: 

Dinesh Chandimal, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Milinda Siriwardana, Dasun Shanaka, Angelo Mathews, Chamara Kapugedara, Shehan Jayasuriya, Nuwan Kulasekara, Rangana Herath, Dushmantha Chameera, Lasith Malinga/ Thisara Perera.

Stats:

1. Bangladesh has never defeated Sri Lanka in 4 T20Is thus far.

2. Shakib Al Hasan needs 87 runs to become the first Bangladesh batsman to score 1000 in T20 internationals.