Nidahas Trophy 2018, BAN vs SL, Match 3 Preview: Sri Lanka expected to continue dominance over Bangladesh

It is more of a question of pride for Sri Lanka given the fact that the Nidahas Trophy quite literally represents the freedom struggle of the country against the British colonies. Barring the theatrics, the Lankans are expected to secure a victory against a Bangladesh side that is hurting from the loss they suffered against the Indians last night. Dinesh Chandimal will have a task on his hands to rally the troops and secure the spot in the final.

in contrast, Mahmudullah will be hoping that his side will indeed find the inspiration they require to turn their fortunes around in the R Premadasa following that defeat against the Indians. The wicket at RPS is once again expected to be a slower one with the spinners expected to be beneficiaries of purchase. Both sides will be looking at tweaking their sides accordingly.

Playing Combination

Sri Lanka

Following their win against the Indians, Sri Lanka is currently on a high. With explosive batsmen in their ranks such as Kusal Perera and Thisara Perera, Dinesh Chandimal is having a selection headache – one of the good kind. While the batting has shown and proved from time to time that they can indeed shoulder the responsibility on their shoulders, the bowling is something that has ceased to fire in recent times.

Although they did indeed take early wickets against the Indians, the fact that they were not able to sustain the pressure on the Indian middle order is something that they will be hoping to tighten. Akila Dhananjaya had a decent outing in the first match and is expected to keep his place in the side. With the wicket offering turn, he now becomes a crucial part of the side as well. Dushmantha Chameera, who missed out the first match will be keen on making his presence felt. Isuru Udana and Dasun Shanaka will be completing a more than competent bowling attack.

Predicted XI: Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Perera, Dinesh Chandimal (C&WK), Asela Gunaratne, Thisara Perera, Jeevan Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Akila Dhananjaya, Isuru Udana, Dushmantha Chameera

Bangladesh

Although the Bangladesh batting unit indeed packed with firepower right through the end, the collapse they faced against the Indians the other night is something Courtney Walsh will be hoping to rectify this with some tweaks in the batting. Mehidy Hasan impressed the most despite going wicketless but did manage to keep the run scoring down. Mahmudullah will be hoping or a lot more from his bowlers as the side is expected to remain unchanged.

Tamim Iqbal, one of Bangladesh’s most important batsman of sorts has now to shoulder the responsibility of batting in the absence of Shakib Al Hasan. His failure to ensure a big score in the first T20I against the Indians was one of the reasons for their collapse, something he will also be hoping to put right as the second encounter beckons.

Predicted XI: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim (WK), Mahmudullah (C), Sabbir Rahman, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Nazmul Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain

Head to Head

Focus will be on

Kusal Perera

The left-handed batsman blasted Shardul Thakur for 27 runs in the latter’s first over. Before anyone knew it, he had slammed a half-century in double quick time. His explosive and fearless brand of batting is something that has caught the eye of one and all. In addition to this, the fact that he takes calculated risks is something that will certainly go a long way in making him one of the most dependable batsmen in the Sri Lankan ranks.

Tamim Iqbal

Tamim Iqbal’s Nidahas Trophy 2018 began on a cold note when he failed to make his presence felt before he was dismissed. As mentioned, the southpaw is one of the most important pieces of the Bangladesh batting unit. In the absence of Shakib Al Hasan, Courtney Walsh and his band of merry men will certainly be hoping that Taim fires before calling in for reinforcements.

Stat Attack

Last time Bangladesh and Sri Lanka faced in a T20I at the RPS in Colombo, Bangladesh won by 45 runs. It is the only win for Bangladesh in their last 14 T20I matches.

Match timing: 7:00 pm IST

Broadcast Details

TV: D Sport

Online: YUPPTV