T20 World Cup 2021, Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh (Super 12) Preview: Lanka looks to continue dominant run
The Super 12 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 is underway in an emphatic fashion. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh of Group 2 will collide in Sharjah on Sunday, as here is its preview.
FollowThe 2021 ICC T20 World Cup has entered its most exciting phase, with the Super 12s that started on Saturday. On Sunday, the opening clash would witness Sri Lanka facing off against its neighbouring sub-continental country Bangladesh in their Group 1 clash at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The tie promises to be a thriller as we present the match preview.
Current form
Lanka has been on a winning spree lately, winning both warm-up games and the three Qualifiers, finishing atop the table. Bangladesh, on the other hand, has had a mixed outing. It won its last two matches in the Qualifiers, besides losing the opener to Scotland and losing its warm-up games.
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Team composition
Considering the sides, Lanka is tide heavy on its bowling. However, its batting contains quite a few stars who could play a decisive role in the department. Also, its current winning streak will act as a confidence booster, as the focus would be upon stars like Avishka Fernando, skipper Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Akila Danajaya and a couple more.
As for Bangladesh, it is somewhat heavy on its batting, while it is notable for its packed all-rounder department. However, coming off convincing wins in the past two matches would give the side some hope. The onus would be upon Soumya Sarkar, captain Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mustafizur Rahman, and a few more.
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Injury concerns and head-to-head
None of the sides has any injury concerns heading into the Super 12s. The two sides have clashed on 11 occasions in the format, with Lanka leading 7-4. They have played each other once in the tournament, with Lanka having the upper hand in that case as well.
Weather and pitch report
The weather in Sharjah would be warm and sunny, with an expected temperature of 33 degrees and 57% humidity. The pitch would play slow, as has been the case in the past month. Winning the toss and chasing would be ideal, while the shorter boundaries are expected to aid the batters.
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Probable XI
Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera (wk), Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana and Lahiru Kumara.
Bangladesh: Mohammad Naim, Liton Das, Mahedi Hasan, Shakib Al Hasan, Nurul Hasan (wk), Afif Hossain, Mahmudullah (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman.
Fantasy XI
Batters: Mahmudullah, Nissanka, Naim- Nissanka and Naim would give the right start, while Mahmudullah is a perfect fit in the middle-order.
Wicketkeeper: Perera- He is the man in form and can be explosive at the top.
All-rounders: Shakib (c), Mahedi, Hasaranga (vc)- Shakib can deliver in all departments owing to his veteran experience, making him the skipper. While Mahedi would be effective with his spin, Hasaranga has been heavily influential, making the latter the deputy captain.
Bowlers: Rahman, Saifuddin, Kumara, Theekshana- Theekshana has surprised all with the effectiveness through his spin, while the other three have been dominant with their pace.
Match details
Date and day: October 24, 2021 (Sunday)
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Time: 3.30 PM (IST)
Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi (Also available in HD, along with regional languages)
Where to watch (Online): Hotstar
