Asia Cup 2022: Match 5 - Predicted Sri Lanka Playing XI against Bangladesh

Sri Lanka will lock horns with Bangladesh in a virtual knockout fixture in Match 5 of Asia Cup 2022 at the Dubai International Stadium. Having suffered a defeat against Afghanistan in the first game, Sri Lanka have a lot to think about coming into this fixture, especially in the batting department. The Island nation was bowled out for just 105 in their previous game and they would need a better batting performance. 

Bhanuka Rajapaksa was the only batter who looked solid in his stay at the crease and the likes of Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka were out cheaply. The debutants Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka could not make much of an impact with the ball and will be under pressure to perform in the upcoming game.

With the wickets assisting spin, there might be a case for Jeffrey Vandersay to be considered for the upcoming game. With all those said, here is predicted Sri Lanka playing XI for their next fixture against Bangladesh. 

Openers - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis

Pathum Nissanka will be the first choice opener given his ability to absorb pressure and has batted with a lot of responsibility in the past. The right-hander has got the skillset to perform and can play the big innings if he sticks around for a long time. The 24-year-old has five fifties to his name in the format and will be looking to make up for his failure. 

Kusal Mendis is another exceptional talent who hasn’t been consistent for the Sri Lankan batting side despite getting a lot of chances. The right-hander faced a dream delivery in the first game against Afghanistan and it led to his early dismissal. He is expected to get another chance, given that he is a quality batter. 

Middle Order - Charith Asalanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa

Charith Asalanka hasn’t had the same impact he had for Sri Lanka at the start of his international career and has been finding it tough at the top. The left-hander will need to bring his A-game into play in the upcoming fixture as he was dismissed for a golden duck in the previous game. 

Danushka Gunathilaka started well in the previous game with a flurry of boundaries but could not capitalise on his good start. The left-hander was removed for 17 knock but his intent was on the positive side from the start of his innings. A big innings will be expected from the 31-year-old if Sri Lanka needs to put up a good performance. 

Bhanuka Rajapaksa will have a major role to play in the tournament for the Sri Lankan side given his ability to tonk the ball at will. The left-hander top scored in the previous game with 38 and was unfortunate to be dismissed by a run-out. He can be the game changer that Sri Lanka needs in the middle order in the tournament. 

All rounders - Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne

Wanindu Hasaranga is Sri Lanka’s best bowler by far and he can change a game around quickly with the ball. He finished with 1 for 19 in his three overs in the previous game and was the only bowler to pick up a wicket. With the tracks starting to crack up, he might get a bit of turn in the coming days and he should be able to exploit the conditions. 

Dasun Shanaka could not make any impact in the game with both bat and ball. However, he has the capability to stun the opposition with power hitting. The all-rounder needs to spend some time at the crease and he could be pushed above the order to take up responsibility with the bat as the skipper. 

Chamika Karunaratne was taken to the cleaners in the previous game in the one over he bowled and he will need to come up with better lines and lengths. The all-rounder impressed with the bat and his 31-run knock helped Sri Lanka from an embarrassing total. However, his major role in the side is expected to be with the ball and he needs to come up with a better performance. 

Bowlers - Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka

Maheesh Theekshana is among the better T20 bowlers that Sri Lanka have got and he is quite good in the powerplay. The mystery spinner has got variations in his kitty and he will need to step up in the inexperienced bowling setup for Sri Lanka. He returned with figures of 0 for 35 in his 4 overs which is much lower to the standards he has set in terms of economy rate. 

Matheesha Pathirana is still young and he conceded 16 in the very first over he bowled in international cricket. However, he has got special skillsets and will not be an easy bowler to handle once he gets groomed. He is still a work in progress and with no Dushmantha Chameera in the ranks, Pathirana should make his chances count

Dilshan Madushanka made his debut in the previous game against Afghanistan and he had a decent show conceding 10 off the first over he bowled. The left-arm seamer was quite impressive in the U-19 World Cup in 2020 and he is expected to get another go in the upcoming fixture against Bangladesh. 

Sri Lanka Playing XI agaist Bangladesh: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne,  Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka