Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will face each other in the first game of the super four on 20th September at Dubai.
Match Preview:
Bangladesh is all set to play the super-four stage of the tournament much thanks to their opposition, Sri Lanka team, who defeated Afghanistan which eventually helped Bangladesh to make it through.
The Bangladesh side, Bangladesh played smart cricket versus Afghanistan and it was their pacers who bowled well during the death overs to claim the victory.
Bangladesh would be in dire need of their batting lineup stepping up. Tanzid Hassan stepped up as expected but the likes of Litton Das will have to take the responsibility now.
Although Mustafizur bowled better against Afghanistan, he has been expensive in this Asia Cup thus far and in the last game against the same opposition, he wasn’t impressive and conceded his expensive spell of the year.
However, Mustafiz would have motivation to bowl well as he is just 4 wickets shy away in achieving 150 wickets in T20is and in this case he would surpass Shakib Al Hasantoo.
Talking about Sri Lanka, they are slight favourites to win this contest. The side has looked better and stable thus far and finally Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis did a great job with the bat which means Nissanka now can bat with more power and belief. The opener has been carrying the side for long enough but now he has got some contributions from the middle and lower order as well.
Dunith Wellalage, who lost his father during Afghanistan’s match and had flown back, is now available for the selection. Dushmantha Chameera would look to claw back after enduring a power outing versus Afghanistan in the last game of the group stage.
Probable Playing XI:
Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Saif Hassan, 3 Litton Das (capt, wk), 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Shamim Hossain, 6 Nurul Hasan, 7 Jaker Ali, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Nasum Ahmed, 10 Taskin Ahmed, 11 Mustafizur Rahman
Sri Lanka (probable): 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kusal Mendis (wk), 3 Kamil Mishara, 4 Kusal Perera, 5 Charith Asalanka (capt), 6 Kamindu Mendis, 7 Dasun Shanaka, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Dunith Wellalage, 10 Dushmantha Chameera, 11 Nuwan Thushara
Pitch and weather report:
In Dubai for this Asia Cup, batters have only managed a strike rate of 109.26. In contrast, Abu Dhabi has performed marginally better at 119.50. The spinners have undoubtedly benefited from Dubai’s slow pitches. It is predicted to be a normal hot evening.
Head-to-head record:
A total of 21 games have been played so far, 13 games have been won by Sri Lanka while Bangladesh accumulated victory in just 8 games.
Predictions:
As stated above, Sri Lankans are favourites to win this upcoming clash. However, given the nature of T20 cricket, anything can happen.
Where to Watch:
Pakistan: PTV Sports, Tamasha, Myco
India: Sony Sports Network, Sony Liv app
UAE and MENA: CricLife Max via eLife TV and Switch TV, StarzPlay
Australia: Kayo Sports
Bangladesh: Gazi TV, Toffee, Tapmad
