Sri Lanka is setting its sights on rejuvenating their ICC T20 World Cup 2024 campaign as they prepare to face off against their long-standing rivals Bangladesh in the 15th match of the tournament. The dramatic encounter is scheduled to take place at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, Texas, on Friday, June 7. Following a crushing defeat in their opening game, Sri Lanka is well aware of the stakes at play and the looming threat of early elimination, making this match a critical juncture in their World Cup journey.
The Sri Lankan squad experienced a multitude of challenges in their first game against South Africa, where they were dismissed for a mere 77 runs. Despite a commendable effort from the bowlers in defending the modest total, it was insufficient to secure a victory. The lackluster performance with the bat has added significant pressure on the team, and they are acutely aware that only a return to their best form will suffice against Bangladesh.
Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, is set to embark on their T20 World Cup campaign with aspirations for a triumphant start. Contrasting their Asian counterparts, Bangladesh enters the match with relatively fewer recent encounters, but the memory of their heavy defeat to India in the warm-up game remains fresh. Compounding their concerns is a mediocre track record, having secured only one victory in their last five T20I meetings against Sri Lanka.
This highly anticipated match will take place at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, Texas, with the first ball scheduled for 07:30 PM local time (6:00 AM IST on Saturday, June 8). Cricket aficionados can catch all the live action via Star Sports and streaming services on the Hotstar website and app.
The excitement surrounding the match isn’t merely due to Sri Lanka’s redemption quest or Bangladesh’s eager commencement; it is also bolstered by the star-studded line-ups awaiting on both sides.
Focusing on Sri Lanka, wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Mendis remains a key player in the squad. In the batting department, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Angelo Mathews are expected to ascend to the occasion alongside other promising talents like Charith Asalanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama.
In the realm of all-rounders, Sri Lanka leans heavily on the versatile Wanindu Hasaranga.
. Notably transformed into an all-rounder, Hasaranga has been exceptional with the bat and continues to dominate as a primary wicket-taker. Ranked second in the ICC T20I all-rounders standings, he was the leading wicket-taker in the last two T20 World Cup editions in 2021 and 2022. Captain Dasun Shanaka and the dependable Angelo Mathews further fortify the all-rounder brigade.
On the bowling front, Matheesha Pathirana, fresh off an injury and notable for his remarkable IPL stint with 13 wickets in six innings, will be a pivotal force. Joining him are renowned bowlers like Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera, tasked with stifling the Bangladeshi batsmen.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh, under Shanto’s leadership, will bank on Mahmudullah and emerging batsmen like Towhid Hridoy to fortify their batting line-up. Shakib Al Hasan, serving as the vice-captain and an accomplished all-rounder, brings both experience and skill, vital to the team’s performance.
The bowlers to watch from Bangladesh include the influential Mustafizur Rahman and the promising Rishad Hossain. Mustafizur’s proficiency with the ball can pose significant challenges to the Sri Lankan batting order.
Projected playing XIs hint at a tantalizing showdown. For Sri Lanka, the probable line-up involves Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, and Dushmantha Chameera. Bangladesh is expected to field Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali (wk), Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan, and Mustafizur Rahman.
As both teams gear up, the Grand Prairie Stadium is set to witness a clash teeming with passion, skill, and the quest for supremacy. Can Sri Lanka rebound from their dismal start, or will Bangladesh capitalize and create a statement with a winning debut? Cricket fans worldwide eagerly await the outcome of this thrilling encounter.
