Home is where the pitch grips, skids, turn. Home, for Bangladesh, is Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka, where they recently thrashed both Australia and New Zealand. And in terms of pitch conditions, the closest place away from home that will give Bangladesh strikingly similar vibes is the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, where they take on Sri Lanka in their opening clash of Super 12s.
In the UAE-leg of IPL 2021, 70% of the game was won by the team batting second. In four World Cup games so far, none of the teams have totalled more than 130 so far. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, both bowling-heavy sides, will relish such conditions.
Bangladesh made a great comeback after a shock defeat to Scotland in the opening game. Mohammad Naim and Liton Das have failed to provide them with a decent start. The middle-order bailed them out in the last two games, but things will not be easy against a quality Sri Lankan attack. Utilising the Powerplay, thus, becomes important.
Similar problems ail Dasun Shanaka's side. The top-order has not clicked, and Dinesh Chandimal was dropped for Charith Asalanka in the last game. Asalanka, failed to impress, but is likely to retain his place. The management has shown immense faith in Pathum Nissanka, and will expect more consistency from him as an opener.
Their bowling attack will be high on confidence after skittling out sides for 96, 101 and 44 in the first three games. Lahiru Kumara was adjudged Player of the Match for his three-wicket haul against the Netherlands. Maheesh Theekshana has been their standout spinner, picking eight wickets in three games. Unfortunately, he bowled only one over against the Dutch side before walking off due to side strain, and will miss today's match. Expect Akila Dananjaya to replace him.
Head to Head
Both sides have met 11 times in T20I, out of which Sri Lanka emerged victorious on seven occasions.
Probable XIs
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera (wk), Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Akila Dananjaya, Lahiru Kumara
Bangladesh: Mohammad Naim, Liton Das, Mahedi Hasan, Shakib Al Hasan, Nurul Hasan (wk), Afif Hossain, Mahmudullah (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman
Fantasy Tips
- Perera should be picked ahead of Nurul as a wicket-keeper.
- Load your team with bowlers as this is likely to be a low-scoring clash. Appoint Shakib captain.
- Rahim, Mahmudullah and Avishka are must-haves for your fantasy team.
Blitzpools Fantasy XI
Kusal Perera, Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Avishka Fernando, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka, Mahedi Hasan, Lahiru Kumara, Mustafizur Rahman (wk)