Massive image – SL, Bangladesh grapple with participant absences
Okay, playing cards on the desk, Sri Lanka aren’t in fine condition.
Positive, they have not been constantly nice in fairly a while, however these are the defending Asia Cup champions on the finish of the day, to not overlook that they clean-swept the World Cup Qualifier a number of months in the past. Technically, that is nonetheless that group. Technically.
Their unit as a complete has achieved a satisfying mix of youth and expertise in current occasions. The situations in Pallekele are additionally prone to swimsuit their spinners. In that sense, though Sri Lanka might need the house benefit, the most recent version of the Naagin Derby (look it up, for those who should) may simply see Bangladesh coming in as marginal favourites.
Type information
Sri Lanka WWWWW (final 5 accomplished ODIs, most up-to-date first)
Bangladesh WLLWW
Within the highlight
Mehidy Hasan Miraz remains to be simply 25, nevertheless it undoubtedly seems like he is been round for ages, and in a way he has, having made his debut in 2016. Whereas it was his easy but efficient offspin that first caught the eye, it is his newer exploits with the bat which have earned him a everlasting spot. Now a bonafide all-round choice coming in decrease down the order, Mehidy gives his facet quite a lot of stability, and his match-winning century towards India in December confirmed his capacity to be a real gamechanger.
Kusal Mendis did not have an amazing LPL, whereas his performances within the World Cup Qualifier did not essentially set the world alight. The previous yr or two, on the entire, has been a fruitful interval for the now 28-year-old, although, particularly in T20Is the place he has showcased a bolder strategy on the high of the order. In ODIs, he has tended to anchor the innings early on earlier than seeking to minimize unfastened. As such practically each formidable Sri Lanka ODI batting efficiency in current occasions has coincided with an in-form Mendis. With a second-string bowling unit to play with, Mendis will likely be key to any Sri Lankan success.
Group information
Kusal Perera is in competition for a spot within the beginning XI, having recovered from a case of Covid-19. Nonetheless, he final performed an ODI over two years in the past. With Hasaranga not obtainable, Dushan Hemantha is the only real legspin choice, however Dunith Wellalage’s batting might see him get the nod as a substitute.
Sri Lanka XI (possible): 1 Dimuth Karunaratne, 2 Pathum Nissanka, 3 Kusal Mendis (wk), 4 Sadeera Samarawickrama, 5 Charith Asalanka 6 Dhananjaya de Silva, 7 Dasun Shanaka (capt), 8 Dushan Hemantha/Dunith Wellalage, 9 Maheesh Theekshana, 10 Binura Fernando, 11 Kasun Rajitha
Bangladesh XI (possible): 1 Mohammad Naim, 2 Tanzid Hasan/Anamul Haque, 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto, 4 Shakib Al Hasan (capt), 5 Towhid Hridoy, 6 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 7 Afif Hossain, 8 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9 Taskin Ahmed, 10 Hasan Mahmud, 11 Shoriful Islam
Pitch and situations
In the course of the LPL, most pitches proved to be fairly two-paced, and Pallekele was no totally different, with bowlers rewarded for various their tempo. Every now and then, nonetheless, batting did get simpler, and higher, underneath lights. When it comes to the climate, it is largely anticipated to be scorching and humid and there’s a probability of rain.
Stats and trivia
- Bangladesh have performed only one ODI in Pallekele, towards Sri Lanka in 2013, which they received
- Sri Lanka have the second-highest win share towards Bangladesh – 81.63% – in ODI cricket. Solely Pakistan have the next share (86.48). Nonetheless, Sri Lanka have misplaced 4 of their final ten video games towards Bangladesh
