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Injuries to key players has hurt Sri Lanka's World Cup campaign, but the Island nation can still qualify for the semi-finals with victories over Bangladesh and New Zealand over the next week.
They will also need a host of other results to fall their way, but for now all they can concentrate on is registering a third win of the tournament by defeating fellow Asian side Bangladesh.
Bangladesh's sole victory at the World Cup came in their opening fixture against Afghanistan in Dharamsala and six straight losses since that match has left Shakib Al Hasan's side without any hope of qualifying for the semi-finals.
They do still have plenty to play though and will be keen to put a dent in Sri Lanka's chances by picking up their second triumph of what has been a disappointing campaign.
Veterans Litton Das, Mahmudullah and Shakib will be relied upon to score freely for Bangladesh, while Sri Lanka will look to the likes of Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama and skipper Kusal Mendis to get going with the bat.
Spin is likely to be a major factor in this clash, with Shakib to lead Bangladesh's slow bowling attack and players in the ilk of Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage sure to be prominent for Sri Lanka.
When: November 06, 2023, 2:00 PM IST
Where: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Teams
Sri Lanka:
Kusal Mendis's squad initially featured Dushan Hemantha instead of Dhananjaya de Silva when facing India, but the legspinner struggled, leading to considerations about whether to reinstate de Silva or possibly opt for Dunith Wellalage. Additionally, there is the option of replacing Dimuth Karunaratne with Kusal Perera.
In terms of tactics and strategy, it could be advantageous for Sri Lanka to utilize Chameera during the middle overs, especially when facing Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim. Chameera has a favorable track record against them, having dismissed both players on two occasions, and Bangladeshi batsmen have faced challenges in scoring runs against him. Dilshan Madhushanka, who is in good form, also presents a significant threat to Bangladesh, given their susceptibility to left-arm pace in 2023. Bangladesh has lost a total of 34 wickets to left-arm pace, the highest among all teams, and within the context of this World Cup, their 13 dismissals to left-arm pace are the second highest, surpassed only by Australia's 14.
Bangladesh:
On the eve of the game, Mushfiqur Rahim experienced an injury scare when he was struck on the hand while facing a throwdown. He managed to face two more deliveries before ending his practice session and was later observed applying ice to his injured hand. However, the team management remains optimistic about his availability for the upcoming game. In the event Rahim is unable to continue as the wicketkeeper, Litton Das is prepared to take over behind the stumps. Furthermore, there's the possibility of Mahedi Hasan or Nasum Ahmed stepping in, and should they decide to exclude Tanzid Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz could open the innings.
In terms of tactics and strategy, Kusal Mendis has faced difficulties against certain Bangladeshi bowlers, having been dismissed twice each by Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shakib. Consequently, Bangladesh may consider focusing their bowling attack on these three when the Sri Lankan captain is at the crease. Additionally, Shoriful Islam could be a suitable option to challenge Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera.
Squads:
Sri Lanka Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis(w/c), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Perera, Chamika Karunaratne, Lahiru Kumara, Dunith Wellalage
Bangladesh Squad: Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan(c), Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib
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