In recent years, the cricket clash between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka has offered tense moments, be it in any format of the game. The rivalry between these two Asian sides started when Chandika Hathurusingha took over Sri Lanka's national side’s head coach role one month after quitting the Bangladesh job in November 2017. The last match of the Group B of the Asia Cup 2022 promises to be another exciting affair as the winner will secure a place in the Super Four round. Both sides have a few big issues to solve before the contest. The Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka match preview is discussed in this article.

Which side has the advantage in the T20I head-to-head contests?

Bangladesh have never defeated Sri Lanka in a bilateral Twenty20 International series. Sri Lanka have won three of the four T20I series these two nations have played, with one series ending in a draw. Sri Lanka have eight victories overall while Bangladesh have four in the twelve games they have played against one another.

In the Asia Cup event, Sri Lanka have a big edge over Bangladesh with 11 wins. Bangladesh, on the other hand, have only played the Lankans once in the Twenty20-format Asia Cup, which they won by 23 runs at the SBNCS in 2016.

Also read: Asia Cup 2022: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka seek solutions to their top-order batting woes

Top performers in T20Is between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka

   Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Which team has the better T20I record at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium?

Dubai’s international cricket stadium will host the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka match. Dubai’s cricket ground first hosted a T20I match in 2009 between Pakistan and Australia. Since then, 78 matches have been played at this venue, where the batting first team has won 36 of them and the batting second team has won 41 games. However, chasing has become a lot easier nowadays at this venue. Since January 2021, fielding first have won 14 games out of 16. This stat clearly shows how important the toss will be in the match.

Neither Bangladesh nor Sri Lanka have an impressive record at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Bangladesh have played only one match at this ground, against Australia in the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup, which they lost by 8 wickets. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have played four games at this venue and lost three of them.

Also read: Asia Cup 2022: Bangladesh Vs Sri Lanka Match Live Streaming

Asia Cup Cricket 2022, Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh: Match Preview

The match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka has unofficially become a knockout one. The Afghanistan national men’s T20 team has already confirmed the top position of the Group B points table with two back-to-back wins. Both teams have already started to play mind games by attacking each other with remarks. Sri Lankan Captain Dasun Shanaka made a comment about the Bangladesh team after their demoralizing loss to Afghanistan, which has spurred a controversy.

Shanaka thinks Bangladesh have a very weak bowling attack which has only Shakib and Mustafizur as world-class bowlers. Bangladesh’s team director, Khaled Mahmud Sujon has responded by saying that he doesn’t see any class bowler in the Lankan current T20I setup. This type of mind game is common when two sides consider each other a bitter rival. However, it won’t affect much of the players’ performances. A team with a better game plan and proper execution on the field will have a greater chance to win the contest. The Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka match will start at 8 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time) in Dubai.

Bangladesh

The main problem of the Bangladesh team at the moment is that their batters haven’t batted the way a T20 batter should bat. Despite taking actions to improve players’ batting techniques, their approach during the match has been ineffective. Bangladesh players have to find a way to improve their batting approach before the Sri Lanka match. They risk losing this game in the same way they lost to Afghanistan if they don't do it.

Team director Khaled Mahmud Sujon said that pacer Mustafizur Rahman shouldn’t be considered as an automatic choice in the Bangladesh team. Therefore, except for captain Shakib Al Hasan and vice-captain Afif Hossain, none of the Bangladesh players has a guaranteed spot in the playing XI based on recent performances. Who will make the Bangladesh playing XI then after a disappointing performance against the Afghan side?

Probable Playing XI (Bangladesh): Parvez Hossain Emon, Sabbir Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan (captain), Afif Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim (wicket-keeper), Mahmudullah Riyad, Mosaddek Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasum Ahmed

Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan team has the same problem as Bangladesh. However, their batters know how to bat in the Twenty20 format, which is an encouraging point for them. The Lankan side has some tremendously talented power hitters, but they lack experience on the international scene. One thing is sure, Sri Lanka will be aiming to make a strong comeback in the do-or-die contest against Bangladesh in order to secure a Super Four berth in the Asia Cup 2022.

The Sri Lankan team will likely make some adjustments in their team in order to put up a strong playing XI against the Bangladesh side. Changes to the middle order in the Sri Lankan playing XI are very likely.

Also read: Asia Cup 2022: Group standings, where to watch live on App, OTT, TV

Probable Playing XI (Sri Lanka): Kusal Mendis (wicket-keeper), Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Ashen Bandara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka 

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Group B Match: Weather report and toss prediction

In Dubai, Thursday will be quite hot—around 39 C. In these sweltering conditions, athletes will need to keep hydrated and in shape. The toss-winning captain is expected to elect to field first at this venue since chasing is getting more simple in Dubai these days.

Bottom Line

Bangladesh have lost 14 of their last 16 completed games, while Sri Lanka have lost 10 of their last 14 T20I matches. However, Sri Lanka have won two thrilling matches against Australia this year. In contrast, Bangladesh have only achieved two victories this year, both over weaker opponents. Therefore, no side will start the game as the favourite. The team with the strongest lineup for their playing eleven and the ability to carry out their game plan through individual performances will have a better chance of winning the match.