T20 World Cup 2021: Strongest Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI against Bangladesh

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will battle it out against each other in the Match 15 of the T20 World Cup 2021. The former has had a good run in the tournament so far. Sri Lanka won all their warm-up games and then continued their splendid stint ahead in the mega event.

The Dasun Shanaka-led side won all three games against Namibia, Ireland, and the Netherlands. The bowling unit of the team has had an impressive time and has led the team to victory. Before entering this tournament, their batting consistency was a worry for the side and that quite continued in the marquee event as well.

However, their bowlers have risen to the occasion, and that in a way has made up for rather dismaying performances with the willow by Sri Lanka. Wanindu Hasaranga, the man in form has armed his talent better by leading the team with both the bat and the ball. After having topped their group, Sri Lanka entered the Super 12s. Maheesh Theekshana has to deal with an injury and thus that probably makes way for either Dhananjaya de Silva or Akila Dananjaya on the side.

Here is Sri Lanka’s predicted Playing XI for SL vs BAN Match:

Openers- Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka

Heading into the crucial encounter, Sri Lanka will hope that their openers provide steady starts to the team. A strong foundation from them will take a lot of pressure off the middle-order. Kusal Perera has a considerable amount of experience and will be determined to chip in big runs at the top order. Against the Netherlands, he added 33 runs to play a cameo that would boost his confidence further in the mega event.

Pathum Nissanka, on the other hand, played an impressive inning of 61 runs against Ireland. His belligerent knock included as many as 6 fours and a six. However barring this match, he couldn’t make big contributions against Namibia and Netherlands. In this match against Bangladesh, the opener will aim to get back to the scoring ways.

Middle-order- Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa

Avishka Fernando played dominating knocks in the warm-up matches but wasn’t able to reflect the same in the first round. He registered a series of low scores and will need to get back his rhythm ahead of some important upcoming encounters. The fragile middle-order of Sri Lanka will aim to bounce back to hold the fort of the side.

Charith Asalanka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa also didn’t have a very good time with the willow in all their matches of the tournament so far. Before the World Cup, the side had made quite a few changes to their middle-order, and thus they lack consistency. However, as the team has the winning momentum by their side, the batters might punch above their weights to contribute to the team’s good run.

All-rounders- Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dhananjaya de Silva

When it comes to the all-rounder’s department, Wanindu Hasaranga is one such name that has stood tall for Sri Lanka. He has put some exceptional shows with both the bat and the ball in order to sail the team past victory. In the last match against the Netherlands, he picked up three wickets.

In the game against Ireland, Hasaranga exuded his flair with the bat by playing a knock of 71 runs. The skipper of the side also possesses the prowess to make pivotal all-round contributions. Dhananjaya de Silva, on the other hand, is also an experienced campaigner. He has previously led the team to victory on many occasions and will look to make an impact to the side.

Bowlers- Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Kumara

Sri Lanka has vastly relied on its bowlers to register victories in the tournament so far. Lahiru Kumara picked up three wickets in the match against the Netherlands. He also picked up two wickets against Ireland and as many against Namibia. He will be raring to continue his dominance with the ball.

Chamika Karunaratne has been instrumental for the team this year. He will thus be one of the most reliable bowlers for Sri Lanka. Dushmantha Chameera also chimed in for the team with wickets in all their matches. The bowling unit has appeared quite dominating and heading in the tournament ahead they will wish to keep going.