Nidahas Trophy, SL v BAN, Match 6 Preview: Hosts eye place in the final against India

The Bangladesh side will be hoping to recreate their heroics from the previous match against the Lankans.

Published - 15 Mar 2018, 13:46 IST | Updated - 15 Mar 2018, 13:46 IST

3 Min Read

The last time Sri Lanka faced Bangladesh in the Nidahas Trophy, Mahmudullah’s men made history when they chased down an impressive total of 215. For the Lankans, there was yet another blow when their captain Dinesh Chandimal was slapped with a two-match ban following a slower net run-rate. However, despite all of this, a feisty encounter is on the cards as both these sides take each other on in the final game of the group stages of the 2018 edition of the Nidahas Trophy.

Bangladesh will be going into the match high on confidence despite their loss to India a day back. Their performance, in spite of the loss, was a positive one, something that they will be hoping to carry into the match against the Lankans. In addition, the return of Shakib-Al-Hasan also ensures a much stronger Bangladesh side. The Lakanks, on the other hand, will have the home advantage on their side as Thisara Perera aims to secure his first victory as Sri Lankan captain.

The weather forecasts state that there may be a rain hinderance in the area. However, in case of this, there could very well be the Lankans qualifying on superior run-rate.

Playing Combination

Sri Lanka

The Lankans will enter this encounter rather low on confidence. A loss in their last two T20 internationals against Bangladesh and India respectively sees them on the wrong end of the table. However, despite all this, Thisara Perera will be hoping to rally his troops for the decider and will be hoping for similar performances from the likes of Akila Dhanajaya and Kusal Mendis, something that almost ensured a Lankan victory.

There are no changes expected by the Lankans given the fact that they do have a good side that has clicked in the past. However, in the batting scheme of things, there seems to be one change that is expected with Upul Tharanga who had a rather terrible outing against the Indians may be replaced by Dhananjaya de Silva. Isuru Udana may find her place in the side.

Predicted XI: Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Perera (WK), Dhananjaya de Silva/Upul Tharanga, Dasun Shanaka, Thisara Perera (C), Jeevan Mendis, Akila Dhanajaya, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal

Bangladesh:

The Bangladesh side has been on a high this tournament with some gritty performances with both bat and ball in recent times. However, since results have not really gone their way, there has been a need for significant change. The presence of Shakib-Al-Hasan also has come to help the team’s cause with the side making do with what they have.

Abu Jayed’s weak performances in the match against the Indians would mean that Nzmul Islam may make his way back into the grand scheme of things. The rest of the side is expected to be more or less the same.

Predicted XI: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim (WK), Mahmudullah, Shakib-Al-Hasan (C), Sabbir Rahman, Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Abu Jayed, Taskin Ahmed, Musatfizur Rahman

Head to Head

Played – 10 Bangladesh – 3 Sri Lanka – 7

Focus On

Akila Dhanajaya

The young leg-spinner was one of the few positives against the Indians. Especially, with the ball doing as much as it did against the Indians. the youngster is also very good at varying his pace and challenging the batsman with some impressive wrist-spin, something that has been making the rounds in recent times.

Shakib-Al-Hasan

It would seem as though the king has returned to command his army and at a time when it is very important, to say the least. In fact, his return may well prove to be the deciding factor that spurs Bangladesh into the final of the Nidahas Trophy, something that will go a long way in improving sport in a country that has impressed in recent times.