The team Sri Lanka and Nepal will lock horns on 12th of june in Florida.
Sri Lanka will have to win this game in order to stay alive in the tournament as they had a woeful start in the tournament.
Team Overview:
Sri Lanka has won three T20 series before heading to the T20 World Cup but their performance in the World Cup so far has been a complete disappointment.
They lost their first game against South Africa where they were bundled out for just 77 and in the second game they could only score 124 against Bangladesh.
So, the World Cup hopes of the Lankans are hanging by a thread. Despite having a quality bowling attack, their batting unit did not enjoy this World Cup so far.
The qualification scenario has been in now if and buts. In order to qualify, Sri Lanka will have to win their remaining games, against Nepal and Netherlands. Moreover, they will hope that Bangladesh loses all of their games.
Seems difficult? Right? Moreover, the rain is expected in Florida on the match day and Sri Lanka cannot bear a washout game as it will end their T20 World Cup campaign.
And above all, Netherlands are placed in the same group who has been playing quality cricket so far, so they may have a chance to surprise everyone, knocking out the chance of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka qualifications.
Nevertheless, let’s get back to the Sri Lanka and Nepal game.
One positive factor that can boost Sri Lanka’s morale is the drop-in pitches are gone. Their game against Nepal will be played on a seasoned track in Lauderhill, a track known to the SL batters because of the warm-up games.
Nuwan Thushara will be the key player for the side as his new ball skills, ability to swing it both ways will keep the Nepal batters at bay.
Talking about Nepal, the qualification was always a distant dream for them. They are placed in the “group of death” and their loss against Netherlands made it more complicated.
Although their chances of qualification are improbable, their chance of creating history isn’t. Nepal would be ready to give it all as they have nothing to lose. But as a nation, they will try to make a statement that sticks for a generation.
Karan KC will be the key for the Nepa side as he has been their second-highest wicket taker in theT20Is. In the absence of Sandeep Lamichhane, his experience will come handy and he may rattle the stumps of already struggling batters of the Sri Lanka side.
Head-to-Head:
Both of the sides have never faced each other. The upcoming encounter will be the first game between the said nation.
Predictions:
Although SL had a woeful start, they have a stronger chance to stand victorious against Nepal as their bowling lineup has been top-notch and can disturb the run flow of the Nepal’s batters.
Pitch and weather report:
The warm-up games played at this venue suggest a batting-friendly pitch. Nevertheless, rain threatens to disturb the match, making this game a stop-start affair.
Where to watch:
Pakistan – PTV Sports, Ten Sports, Myco (Live streaming), Tamasha app (Live streaming), Tapmad (live streaming)
India – Star Sports
England – SkySport Network
USA and Canada (Willow TV)
Caribbean – ESPN Caribbean
New Zealand & Australia – Sky Sports NZ, Prime Video
UK & Northern Ireland – Sky Sports
Sri Lanka – Maharaja TV
Other regions – SuperSport, Sirasa, CricLife, STARZPLAY
