Sri Lanka v UAE Preview: Lankans seeking redemption

Qualifier UAE will face up to perhaps their biggest test in the first round of the main draw against Sri Lanka of the Asia Cup T20 2016. The fixture will take place at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur. This is also only the third time the UAE have made it to the main draw of the tournament. The last time the UAE featured in the main draw of the Asia Cup was in 2008 in Pakistan. However, the Sri Lankans will be the firm favourites with most expecting a Sri Lankan win.

Pitch Conditions

The wicket is expected to be the same one used for the Bangladesh v India match. The track the Indians played on surprised most with the amount of grass on the surface compared to the qualifiers. The overcast conditions and the intermittent droplets of rain also ensured that the wicket remained green despite the wet outfield. Lasith Malinga, in particular, will be hoping to extract some swing from the surface. Although the Indians won the previous game batting first, the ideal option would be to field first. Reports suggest that showers can be expected late afternoon or evening.

Team News

Sri Lanka

The Lankans will be hoping for a better showing following a disappointment in India earlier this month. The return of the senior players in the side will certainly boost the Lankans. The most important return will be that of skipper Lasith Malinga. While Dinesh Chandimal is the most important part of the batting lineup, the focus is on Chamara Kapugedera. The latter, who had been recalled to the Sri Lankan side will be hoping to repay the selectors faith in him. Dasun Shanaka will be looking to build on his current run of form.

UAE

Although the UAE are in the main draw to simply make up the numbers, they pose a serious threat. Rohan Mustafa will be key to UAE’s chances with both bat and ball. In addition, Mohammed Shahzad, who ended the qualifier as the top run-getter will also be looking to carry on the momentum. Mohammed Naveed, UAE’s highest wicket taker will also be expected to exploit the conditions.

Probable XI

Sri Lanka: Lasith Malinga (C), Dushmantha Chameera, Chamara Kapugedera, Niroshan Dickwella, Dinesh Chandimal (WK), Ragana Herath, Thisara Perera, Sachitra Senanayake, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Tillakaratne Dilshan

UAE: Amjad Javed (C), Swapnil Patil (wk), Ahmed Raza, Fahad Tariq, Farhan Ahmed, Mohammad Naveed, Mohammad Shahzad, Mohammad Usman, Muhammad Kaleem, Rohan Mustafa, Usman Mushtaq