Bangladesh host Sri Lanka in a T20I series that could have a knock-on effect on the T20 World Cup, with some particularly hostile underlining the recent rivalry between the sides.
Bangladesh v Sri Lanka – First T2oI
Monday 4 March 2024 – 14:00
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have a rivalry that often boils over and these matches could have a real high energy to them.
Bangladesh have won two of the four T20Is they have played at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium with Sri Lanka winning their only match at the venue to date.
To Win Match
Bangladesh 27/20 | Tie 25/1 | Sri Lanka 62/100
There has been upheaval in the Tigers camp again with Shakib Al Hasan left out of the white-ball squads to face Sri Lanka.
Shakib is reportedly dealing with an eye issue that makes batting difficult for the star allrounder.
With the skipper out it was a further surprise that Mehidy Hasan Miraz was also left out of the T20 group.
The notable absences open the door for mystery spinner Aliss Al Islam, who has made star turns in the BPL, to earn his maiden call-up to the national side.
The tourists will be without Kusal Perera after the batting stalwart fell ill ahead of the series and was ruled out of action, being replaced by Niroshan Dickwella.
Charith Asalanka will stand in as Sri Lanka skipper in place of suspended Wanindu Hasaranga for the first two of three matches in the series.
While the squad has a fair amount of experience, the players brought in don’t seem to be carrying great form.
Angelo Mathews is a clear example of this and Sri Lanka’s lack of top-order form while young star Matheesha Pathirana had a great series with the ball against Afghanistan and will be a player worth watching on this trip to Bangladesh.
Verdict: Bangladesh 27/20
Home-ground advantage probably swings this in the favour of the Tigers, although the bookies see them as outsiders. I’m on the home side.
