BAN vs SL, Final, Tri-series 2018, Preview: Momentum with Sri Lanka in the title bout

Bangladesh would want to put their best foot forward forgetting the humiliation in their last game.

Published - 26 Jan 2018, 13:34 IST | Updated - 26 Jan 2018, 13:34 IST

2 Min Read

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will clash for the third time in last 10 days in the ongoing Tri-nation series at Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. Though the bout will for the coveted title this time around and both the teams are expected to play their hearts out to win the same. The third team in the tournament, Zimbabwe, were crashed out after a thumping win of the team from island nation over the hosts the other day. However, the Asian neighbours reigned supreme in the end and will fight it out for the trophy.

Bangladesh, in their first three matches, were absolutely relentless winning their matches by big margins and were the first team to qualify for the finals. But the way they capitulated in the final league game must have smashed them back to the earth. They were skittled out for their eight lowest total in ODIs and then failed to pick even a single wicket of the opposition while defending the meagre total.

Though nothing could be taken away from them for their stunning show in the earlier matches and would back themselves to beat the Sri Lankans on Saturday.

Dinesh Chandimal led Sri Lanka have fought their way back into this tri-series after losing their first couple of matches. They first chased the tricky total against Zimbabwe to keep themselves alive and then stormed into the final by humiliating the hosts. They must be riding high in confidence and would love to take the same momentum on to the field in the mega finale.

However, they would know that Bangladesh will come hard at them and will not go down easily. Sri Lanka will have to play out of their skins and if they manage to win the contest, it would be a huge relief for the team which is in the rebuilding phase forever now.

The result of playing all the matches at a single venue has led to the pitches being deteriorated in Dhaka. Though the curator might have kept a flat deck in reserve for the final. A high-scoring encounter is expected on a super Saturday.

Playing Combination

Bangladesh

Bangladesh looks a perfect outfit to beat any team in their home conditions and have nothing to worry after a sorry performance in the last game. It could be a one-off game for them and will be eager to prove the same by winning in the final. Imrul Kayes has been added to the squad for the final and will most likely replace Anamul Haque who has failed miserably in this series. Also, Mohammad Saifuddin might come in place of Abul Hasan who played his first game of the tri-series on Thursday.

Probable XI: Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim(wk), Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman, Mashrafe Mortaza(c), Nasir Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman

Sri Lanka

There is no way Sri Lanka would be thinking to change the winning combination. They bowled really well with their vice-captain Suranga Lakmal leading the way with the new ball. Dushmantha Chameera also hustled and bustled the opposition with his raw pace and ended the game with sensational figures. The batting also looks set despite an untimely injury to Kusal Perera. Danushka Gunathilaka looked settled on his return to the sie. Suddenly they are looking very strong after such a dominant victory.

Chandimal would be hoping for his team to step up for one final time in this series and complete a stunning fightback after being on the verge of an elimination.

Probable XI: Danushka Gunathilaka, Upal Tharanga, Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Dinesh Chandimal (C), Asela Gunaratne, Thisara Perera, Lakshan Sandakan, Akila Dananjaya, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera

Head to Head record

Overall: Played – 43 Bangladesh – 6 Sri Lanka – 35 N/R – 2

Focus will be on

Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh)

Mushfiqur Rahim has been the backbone of Bangladesh in the limited overs format. He bats at number 4 and carries his team along quite nicely. He has impressed so far in this series and was fighting a lone battle the other day when the other batsmen were following each other in the dressing room. The team will once again look up to him in case they lose quick wickets in the title clash. Rahim is brilliant behind the stumps as well and is an invaluable asset to this young team.

Dinesh Chandimal (Sri Lanka)

Much like their opposition, Sri Lanka would also want their most experienced player to stand up when it matters the most. Dinesh Chandimal has shown glimpses of his old form in the last few matches and he would love to replicate it on the big day. he would hope that the top order clicks and then he steers the middle order to post a huge total on the board in case they bat first. Chandimal’s contribution with the bat as the skipper might well decide the eventual outcome of the match.