Weakened Sri Lanka bowling underneath stress in Naagin derby
Big image – SL, Bangladesh grapple with participant absences
Okay, playing cards on the desk, Sri Lanka aren’t in fine condition.
Sure, 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 neglect that they clean-swept the World Cup Qualifier just a few months in the past. Technically, that is nonetheless that workforce. Technically.
But accidents have decimated Sri Lanka’s bowling attack. The record of these unavailable at present reads Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka and Wanindu Hasaranga. For context, that is the three first-choice seamers – all able to speeds within the 145kph area – and their star legspinner, who simply accomplished as dominant an all-round franchise show as you are more likely to see, within the Lanka Premier League.
Sri Lanka nonetheless have the superb Maheesh Theekshana to name on, although, whereas their back-up seamers, whereas not as categorical because the aforementioned strolling wounded, may be relied upon to do a job. The difficulty, nevertheless, is that they now must rely totally on their batters to win matches, which they’ve currently struggled with even at the most effective of instances (learn World Cup Qualifier).
As for Bangladesh, Litton Das has been ruled out on the eve of the match, whereas they’ve had their justifiable share of off-field drama with the will-he-won’t-he captaincy saga involving Tamim Iqbal. They are coming into this recreation on the again of a hard-fought home-series defeat to Afghanistan, however they’ve in any other case been a massively spectacular ODI power of late.
Their unit as a complete has achieved a lovely mix of youth and expertise in current instances. The situations in Pallekele are additionally more likely to go well with their spinners. In that sense, though Sri Lanka may need the house benefit, the newest version of the Naagin Derby (look it up, when you should) may simply see Bangladesh coming in as marginal favourites.
Form information
Sri Lanka WWWWW (final 5 accomplished ODIs, most up-to-date first)
Bangladesh WLLWW
In the highlight
Mehidy Hasan Miraz continues to be simply 25, but it surely undoubtedly seems like he is been round for ages, and in a way he has, having made his debut in 2016. While 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 possibility coming in decrease down the order, Mehidy presents his facet an excessive amount of stability, and his match-winning century towards India in December confirmed his potential to be a real gamechanger.
Kusal Mendis did not have an important LPL, whereas his performances within the World Cup Qualifier did not essentially set the world alight. The previous 12 months 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 method on the high of the order. In ODIs, he has tended to anchor the innings early on earlier than trying to reduce free. As such practically each formidable Sri Lanka ODI batting efficiency in current instances has coincided with an in-form Mendis. With a second-string bowling unit to play with, Mendis can be key to any Sri Lankan success.
Team news
Kusal Perera is in competition for a spot within the beginning XI, having recovered from a case of Covid-19. However, he final performed an ODI over two years in the past. With Hasaranga not accessible, Dushan Hemantha is the only real legspin possibility, however Dunith Wellalage’s batting may see him get the nod as an alternative.
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
Anamul Haque has changed Litton. But there may be an out of doors likelihood that Tanzid Hasan replaces Litton within the XI and makes his ODI debut. A knee niggle may preserve Mustafizur Rahman out.
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
During the LPL, most pitches proved to be fairly two-paced, and Pallekele was no completely different, with bowlers rewarded for various their tempo. On event, nevertheless, batting did get simpler, and higher, underneath lights. In phrases of the climate, it is largely anticipated to be scorching and humid and there’s a likelihood of rain.
Stats and trivia
- Bangladesh have performed only one ODI in Pallekele, towards Sri Lanka in 2013, which they gained
- Sri Lanka have the second-highest win share towards Bangladesh – 81.63% – in ODI cricket. Only Pakistan have a better share (86.48). However, Sri Lanka have misplaced 4 of their final ten video games towards Bangladesh