T20 World Cup 2021: SL vs BAN Preview – Battle of spinners as Asian dark horses collide

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are going to take on each other in their respective first match of the Super 12 round in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021. Sri Lanka have qualified with a hundred per cent track record so far in this competition, but this could be the start of bigger challenges. They are in hot form after beating the Netherlands comprehensively on the same wicket.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, have had a hiccup early on in the tournament and came back quite strongly in the last two games. But, on a wicket like Sharjah, Bangladesh would enjoy playing, however, mentally they have to be wary of the threat which this Sri Lanka team possesses. Both the teams would want to start their Super 12 stage with a bang and would sense that they have their best chance to grab two points against each other.

Match Info

Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 15th Match, Super 12 Group 1

Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

Time: 3:30 PM IST

Head to Head

Team News

Sri Lanka:

There is a lot of doubt behind the selection of Maheesh Theekshana, who suffered an injury in the last game for Sri Lanka. However, it has been reported that there is a slight chance he might recover, but it’s quite minute. Binura Fernando is currently also nursing an injury and a decision will be soon taken on his availability. Apart from this, Sri Lanka will mostly play a similar sort of team and might become a major threat for Bangladesh. Akila Dananjaya might play if Maheesh doesn’t recover.

Bangladesh:

The Tigers have come to the super 12 with no injury concerns whatsoever. Sri Lanka will be their toughest challenge after their last two matches. Having said that, they are likely to back the XI which got them to this stage. A bunch of all-rounders in the team is also good and the spinners would be licking their lips before coming to the Sharjah pitch.

Probable XI