Sri Lanka will lock horns against arch-rivals Bangladesh at the Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas in the 15th match of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 on Saturday. The two teams have not missed any chance to take a dig at each other and their matches have been full box office for the cricket aficionados.
The ODI World Cup match is still fresh in the minds of many, when Shakib Al Hasan appealed for a time-out against Angelo Mathews, who found out that his helmet strap was broken after reaching the crease.
These two Asian teams also met each other in three-match T20I series in March, which Sri Lanka won by 2-1 while playing at home.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka lost their opening clash of the T20 World Cup against South Africa by six wickets after they were skittled out for a paltry score of 77 runs as they could not come up with a good batting show on a difficult pitch. Thus, it will be a must-win game for the Lankas if they are to qualify for the Super Eight stage. Sri Lanka were also stunned by the Netherlands in the warm-up match.
On the other hand, Bangladesh recently lost two matches against the USA as they could not bring their best. The Tigers will need to pull up their socks against the Islanders in this crucial game. Furthermore, their left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam is doubtful for the game as he suffered a hand injury in the warm-up match against India.
Match Prediction: Sri Lanka will enter this contest as favorites against Bangladesh.
Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Taskin Ahmed, Litton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Shakib Al Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmud Ullah Riyad, Jaker Ali Anik, Tanvir Islam, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib. Travelling reserves: Afif Hossain, Hasan Mahmud
Sri Lanka: Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka.
