BAN vs SL, 2nd T20I, Preview: Upbeat Sri Lanka favourites to seal the series

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will face off for one final time on this tour on Sunday in the second and final T20 International of the series in Sylhet. The first match of the series was all about displaying the batting prowess from both the sides as there was nothing for the bowlers. The visitors proved too good for the Tigers as they gunned down their highest chase in the format ever. However, this is the last chance for Bangladesh to eke out something of this tour which has dominated completely by Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh handed a debut to four players in the opening game which indicated that they were willing to move forward in the shortest format. All the debutants played decently and contributed well to the team’s cause but the lacklustre performance from the fast bowlers meant they lost the game quite comfortably. The must-win encounter should bring the best out of the team as they look to level the series and end on a high.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have looked absolutely ruthless as the tour has progressed. They stuttered at the start by losing a couple of matches to the hosts and Zimbabwe, but haven’t put a foot wrong since then. Dinesh Chandimal led side won the tri-series and the subsequent Test series as well and are on the cusp of clean slating the home side in the shortest format who pride themselves at their home. They have successfully breached the fortress of Bangladesh which many teams couldn’t do in the last few years.

The pitch in Sylhet is expected to be full of runs and another high-scoring encounter like Dhaka is on the cards. All the 6 T20Is played at the venue has been won by the teams chasing and the trend seems to continue on Sunday as well.

Playing Combinations

Bangladesh

There is no news yet on the injury of Tamim Iqbal and expect Zakir Hasan to retain his place. The debutants from the last game are most likely to retain their places as the team management would love to test their character in the must-win encounter. The team needs to hunt in a pack to defeat the Sri Lankan which has turned their fortunes around dramatically on this tour. Mahmudullah will continue to lead in the absence of Shakib Al Hasan.

The likes of Rubel Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman need to step up to the plate as they were at the receiving end in the last game. Mohammad Saifuddin is most likely to make way for Abu Hider Rony who has played 5 T20Is so far for his country.

Probable XI: Tamim Iqbal/ Zakir Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim(wk), Afif Hossain, Mahmudullah (c), Sabbir Rahman, Ariful Haque, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Nazmul Islam, Abu Hider Rony

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka have looked a completely different outfit on this tour and the confidence would be oozing in the change room after the way they chased down 193 in the last game. Kusal Mendis who only came into the squad as the replacement for Kusal Perera tore apart the opposition bowlers. They would want to continue in the same vein and end the tour on a winning note. Their bowlers, however, looked out of sorts on a flat deck and need to regroup themselves quickly as a similar kind of track might be waiting for them.

Thisara Perera has found his mojo big time on this whole tour and his resurgence along with Kusal Mendis’ form are the biggest positives for the visitors so far. Another series victory should be an icing on the cake for them. No changes are expected for them unless the last-minute injuries.

Probable XI: Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka, Upul Tharanga,  Dinesh Chandimal (c), Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perera, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Dasun Shanaka, Shehan Madushanka, Isuru Udana, Akila Dananjaya

Head to Head

Played – 8 Bangladesh – 2 Sri Lanka – 6

Focus will be on

Soumya Sarkar (Bangladesh)

The left-handed opener is rated very highly but has failed to do justice to his talent always. He looked in his groove in the last game but failed to continue and post a big score for his team after reaching his half-century. If Tamim fails to recover from his injury, it becomes imperative that Soumya Sarkar takes up the responsibility and look to play throughout the innings. His presence until the end will allow the likes of Mushfiqur Rahim and the skipper Mahmudullah to play freely.

Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)

Very few would’ve expected Kusal Mendis to play the last game as he was only drafted into the squad at the eleventh hour. But since the arrival of the new coach Chandika Hathurusingha, he has regained his form. Mendis has been timing the ball sweetly as ever. His knock was clearly an indication of his return to form which should be a huge relief for Sri Lankan supporters and the team management. He would love to back it up with another blistering performance and leave the country with some unforgettable memories.

Stat Attack

193 – Sri Lanka chased down their highest ever total in the shortest format in the first game of the series.

Timings of the match: 4.30 PM IST

Broadcast Details:

TV: Star Sports Select 2

Live Streaming: Hotstar