Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I - Match Predictions

After the ODI tri-series, the bilateral Test series it is time for Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to face off in the T20Is. The Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur will host the two teams for the opening encounter of the two-match series. Twenty20 is a format that works on momentum and a win in the first match always places a team in the best position to take the series especially when it is just a two-match affair.

The hosts will be eager to make a mark in the shortest format having suffered a defeat in the Tri-series final and then the last Test which cost them both series. However, the road looks tough since they have quite a few injury concerns in the team. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, look a much-settled unit in the shortest format of the game, their players have the ability to bring up their A-game in short bursts and T20 enhances that to best effect.

Pitch conditions

The pitch in Dhaka is traditionally slow and the ball holds on to the surface. For the batsmen, it is important to spend time in the middle, judge the variance and only then go for the shots. It is not one of those venues where the big hitters would enjoy a fruitful outing. As is the general rule in the subcontinent, spinners will have a major say in the ‘turn’ of events.

Playing Combination

Bangladesh

Depleted Bangladesh were ruffled when they lost skipper Shakib Al Hasan to the finger injury that is taking longer than expected to heal. Furthermore, they might have also lost Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim to niggle and their participation is under dark clouds. To be prepared for their absence the selectors have added wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Mithun to the squad.

They will depend heavily on Soumya Sarkar, Mahmudullah and Sabbir Rahman in the batting department, for Bangladesh to get a score of substance they have to come good. On the bowling front, it will be up to Mustafizur to take charge and ensure the Lankan score is in check.

Probable XI: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim/Mohammad Mithun (wk), Mahmudullah (C), Sabbir Rahman, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Abu Hider Rony, Abu Jayed, Mehdi Hasan

Sri Lanka

It is the one format they feel at home. Even during the biggest dip in this “transition phase” Sri Lanka beat South Africa and Australia at home in the shortest format. Bangladesh will bite iron in this series has Dinesh Chandimal’s men are dead hungry for redemption and with two series wins on their back they will want to end the tour on a high before hosting the same opponent and India at home in the T20 tri-series.

On the injury front, the two teams are almost on the same boat. Sri Lanka lost skipper Angelo Mathews and then Kusal Perera but they do have impact players in the likes of Danushka Gunathilaka, Asela Gunaratne and Niroshan Dickwella. With spin dominating the proceedings Akila and Vandersay are more than capable of hurting the hosts’ chances.

Probable XI: Dinesh Chandimal (C), Upul Tharanga, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Thisara Perera, Asela Gunaratne, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Dasun Shanaka, Shehan Madushanka, Jeffrey Vandersay, Akila Dananjaya

Here is what we at CricTracker predict as the result of this game:

Head to Head

Played – 7 Bangladesh – 2 Sri Lanka – 5

Probable Top Performers

Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh)| Thisara Perera (Sri Lanka)

Timings of the match: 4.30 PM IST

Broadcast Details:

TV: Star Sports Select 2

Live streaming: Hotstar