The fight for dominance and supremacy in Asia on the cricket field began on August 28 in the Asia Cup 2022. Sri Lanka and Afghanistan squared off in the tournament opener.
Afghanistan dominated with both bat and ball and won the match with 58 balls to spare.
The loss against Afghanistan has affected the net run rate of Sri Lanka. The only way the Lankans can qualify for the super-four round in the Asia Cup 2022.
Bangladesh losing against them and hoping that Afghanistan wins over Bangladesh in case the net run rate comes into play.
Sri Lanka, who are set to face Bangladesh in an important clash on Tuesday in Asia cup 2022, will be eager to get on the field and perform.
It is a must-win match for the Lankan lions. A loss here and Sri Lanka is out of the Asia Cup 2022.
Sri Lanka played a good brand of cricket over the last few months, whereas, on the other hand, Bangladesh is coming off a series loss against Zimbabwe in both the one-day and T20 series.
The match will be played at Sharjah International Cricket Stadium. The dimensions of the ground are shorter. The pitch favors spinners. Both teams possess quality spinners in their lineups.
The Battle of Spinners
Sri Lanka struggled against the left-arm pace of Fazlhaq Farooqui. The Lankan top order was completely dismantled in the first two overs of the first match.
Openers Danuska Gunathilaka and Pathum Nissanka played a huge role in the rejuvenation of the side. Their performance at the
The role of the top-of-the-order batsman is crucial against Bangladesh.
Bangladesh prefers to start with spinners in the power play. Nasum Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan are lethal in the power play. The spin duo troubled the best batsman in the world.
Gunathilaka is a quality player of spin and he needs to come good in a do-or-die match. The left-right combination can cause some trouble for Bangladeshi spinners.
The middle order of Sri Lanka is less experienced as compared to that of Bangladesh. Charith Aslanka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa are key against the left-arm spinners Shakib al Hasan and Nasum Ahmed.
Srilankan captain Dasun Shanka will be key in the match against Bangladesh as he can clear the boundary in the death overs. He is a match winner for Sri Lanka and can win the game single-handedly with his hitting ability.
Chamika Karunaratne and ace spinner Wanindu Hasranga are more than handy with the bat. These two all-rounders are crucial in the Lankan lineup.
Karunaratne played an important role in Sri Lanka’s first match. He scored 31 runs at the back end of the Lankan innings as they crossed the 100 mark.
Sri Lanka’s probable lineup versus Bangladesh in match 5 of Asia Cup 2022
Dilshan Madushanka, who made his debut in the first match, bowled only one over and gave away 10 runs.
Pravin Jayawickrama is likely to replace Madhushanka in the match versus Bangladesh. Jayawickrama being a left-arm orthodox spinner is crucial in the match versus Bangladesh. His main role will be to take wickets in the middle overs and solitary over in the power play.
Another key replacement could be the inclusion of batting all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva. De Silva can be used at the top of the order and he can bowl quality off-spin.
Bangladesh’s lineup has Tamim Iqbal, Mohammad Naim, Shakib al Hasan, and Afif Hossain, who are the main batsmen for Bangladesh.
De Silva could be a major threat to the Bangla tigers and force the batsman to play against the turn and chip in with a few wickets.
Young pacer Matheesha Pathirana and Chamika Karunaratne are crucial in the death overs. Captain Shanaka might bowl a few overs in the power play. Wanindu Hasranga has a tough task on hand and he has to come good in a must-win game.
Maheesh Theekshana is likely to feature in the playing 11 in the match versus Bangladesh. He is a complete all-rounder and can bowl in the power play, in the middle overs, and at the death.
Theekshana has been one of the most improved spinners in T20 internationals over the last year.
Overall, it is a must-win match for Sri Lanka to stay alive in Asia cup 2022 and qualify for the super four round.
