Nidahas Trophy 2018: Match 6, Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh - Match Predictions

The Nidahas Trophy for the T20 triangular series is currently underway. The series has been organized to celebrate Sri Lanka’s 70th independence. India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are playing the series at the iconic R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. India was speculated as the favorites prior to the tournament and rightly so, bearing in mind their stupendous run of form over the past few months.

They didn’t do their reputation any harm and have stormed into the final of the series to be played on March 18. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will play the last of the league games and the winner will join the Men in Blue for the final showdown. Both teams have won one out of their three games and will be looking to string together an impressive show tomorrow.

Probable nature of the pitch  

The track in Colombo has been a batsman’s paradise and a bowlers’ graveyard thus far. There has been limited lateral movement for the seamers and the spinners haven’t extracted much turn either from the wickets. Both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have been erratic thus far, however, they have the firepower in their armory. The pitch is again expected to be helpful for batsmen and bowlers might be in for another tough day in the office.

Playing Combination

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka have been severely jolted by Dinesh Chandimal’s two-match suspension. The wicket-keeper batsman didn’t play in Sri Lanka’s erstwhile encounter against India and Thisara Perera replaced him. Despite their loss to Rohit Sharma’s men, the Islanders are highly unlikely to make any changes to their playing XI for their upcoming game.

Danushka Gunathilaka and Kusal Mendis are the likely openers followed by the swashbuckling Kusal Perera. Upul Tharanga and Thisara Perera will shoulder the middle-order. Suranga Lakmal returned in the previous game and will play a key role if the Lankans are to qualify. Akila Dananjaya, Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Pradeep are the remaining forces in the bowling lineup.

Probable XI: Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera (wk), Upul Tharanga, Thisara Perera (capt), Jeevan Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Akila Dananjaya, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera

Bangladesh

Bangladesh are likely to include Shakib Al Hasan for their crucial encounter and he might replace left-arm spinner, Nazmul Islam. Apart from that, they are highly unlikely to make any changes to the playing XI. Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das have impressed as the openers. Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmullah will yet again be expected to play a vital role with the willow.

Shakib’s comeback will also strengthen their bowling lineup and will partner Mehedy Hasan Miraz in the spin department. The onus will also ben on Mustafizur Rahman to strangle the batsmen. Rubel bowled economically against India and will need to replicate his decent form tomorrow. Meanwhile, Shakib’s return might also see Mahmudullah pass the captaincy baton to the Khulna-born cricketer.

Probable XI: Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah,  Sabbir Rahman, Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Abu Hider Rony, Rubel Hossain

Probable Top Performers

Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka) | Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh)

Head to Head

Total matches played – 10, Sri Lanka won – 7, Bangladesh won – 3, No Result/ Tied – 0.

Timings of the match: 7:00 PM IST

Broadcast Details

TV – DSport, Rishtey Cineplex

Online Streaming: YuppTV

The prediction is for Bangladesh to beat Sri Lanka in this match.