After claiming a 2-1 series win in the preceding three-match ODI series, Sri Lanka are set to host Bangladesh in the first of the three T20Is on Thursday at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Sri Lanka, buoyed by the momentum, will be focused on carrying their marvellous ODI form into the T20I series. Bangladesh, on the other side, would hope to divert attention from their recent defeat in ODIs and come back stronger in T20Is.
Lately, Bangladesh haven’t been competitive in T20Is, registering 11 wins in the last 15 T20Is, but they have shown flashes of brilliance against Sri Lanka in the past fixtures with the help of some of the seasoned players. Additionally, the T20I series gives an opportunity for Bangladesh players to get themselves acclimatised to the conditions in Sri Lanka, where the T20I World Cup will be played next year.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s record in T20Is has also not been that impressive, winning five of their last 13 games. Notably, for T20Is, Sri Lanka have included the likes of Dasun Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne.
Head-to-head
Matches - 17
SL won - 11
BAN won - 6
Bangladesh likely XI: Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Litton Das (c&wk), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Tanzim Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman
Sri Lanka likely XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana