Sri Lanka set to face Bangladesh in crucial third T20I
Sri Lanka is gearing up to take on Bangladesh in the third T20I of the five-match series on July 16. This match holds significant importance as it will be the final game of the all-format tour between the two teams.
In the previous encounters, Sri Lanka emerged victorious in the T20I series opener by seven wickets. Kusal Mendis played a pivotal role in their victory with a brilliant 73-run knock to successfully chase down a target of 155 set by Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh retaliated strongly in the following game, securing an emphatic 83-run win, courtesy of Litton Das’ impressive 76 runs along with some exceptional fielding efforts.
Match Details
The upcoming match is expected to be a thrilling contest between two competitive sides. The pitch report suggests that the team batting first in night games has faced difficulties at this venue, with the side winning the toss likely to opt for bowling first.
Probable Playing 11
The predicted playing 11 for both teams are as follows:
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara
Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Litton Das (c & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam
Key Players to Watch
For Sri Lanka, Kusal Mendis will be a player to watch out for as he aims to bounce back from a recent single-digit score. On the other hand, Maheesh Theekshana will look to deliver a standout performance with the ball against Bangladesh.
Match Prediction
Considering the pitch conditions and team performances, the prediction leans towards the team batting first to have an advantage in this crucial match. Both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will be eager to clinch the victory and gain momentum in the series.
Overall, the stage is set for an exciting clash between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the upcoming T20I, promising cricket fans a thrilling and competitive encounter to look forward to.
Recent Form and Head to Head
When looking at the recent form of both teams, Sri Lanka seems to have the upper hand with a more balanced performance in the T20 format. Bangladesh, on the other hand, has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency. In head-to-head encounters, Sri Lanka has historically had the edge over Bangladesh in T20Is, winning more matches between the two sides.
Player Match-ups to Watch
One intriguing aspect of this upcoming match is the individual player match-ups that could shape the outcome of the game. The battle between Litton Das and Sri Lanka’s spinners, especially Maheesh Theekshana, will be crucial. Das’s ability to tackle spin bowling will be tested against the young Sri Lankan spinner’s variations and guile. On the other hand, Kusal Mendis facing Bangladesh’s pace attack, led by Mustafizur Rahman, promises to be an exciting contest.
Team Strategies and Tactics
Both teams are likely to approach this match with specific strategies in mind. Sri Lanka, buoyed by their recent success in the opening match, will look to continue their aggressive brand of cricket, relying on their top-order batsmen to set the tone early on. Captain Charith Asalanka’s leadership will be crucial in making tactical decisions on the field, especially in crunch situations.
On the other hand, Bangladesh will be keen on bouncing back from their defeat in the second T20I and will aim to put up a more collective team effort. Litton Das, who has been in fine form, will be key to their batting unit’s success, while their bowlers will need to find a way to contain Sri Lanka’s power hitters.
Impact of Conditions
The conditions at the venue could play a significant role in determining the outcome of the match. With the pitch likely to offer some assistance to the bowlers, both teams will need to adapt their game plans accordingly. The dew factor in night games could also come into play, affecting the ball’s grip and making it challenging for bowlers to execute their plans effectively.
Final Prediction
As the two teams gear up for the crucial third T20I, the momentum seems to be evenly poised between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. While Sri Lanka holds the advantage after their win in the series opener, Bangladesh’s strong comeback in the second match indicates that they are not to be underestimated. In a closely contested encounter, the team that can handle pressure better and execute their game plan efficiently is likely to emerge victorious.
Cricket fans can expect a thrilling showdown between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, with both teams eager to make their mark in the series. The stage is set for an intense battle of T20 cricket, showcasing the talent and competitive spirit of these two Asian cricketing nations.
