We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Pitch Report
First innings average score: 170
Second innings average: 150
Type: Good bounce. Initial help for seamers. Bigger square boundaries.
Time: September 1, 7.30 PM IST
Also Read:
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Asia Cup 2022: Fantasy Team, Pitch Report & Playing XI
India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2022: Fantasy Team, Pitch Report, Probable Playing XI
Teams
Probable XI for Sri Lanka: Danushka Gunathilaka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana
Probable XI for Bangladesh: Mohammad Naim, Anamul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Afif Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mosaddek Hossain, Mahmudullah, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman
Form Concerns
In 2022, Danushka Gunathilaka has managed only 127 runs, including the highest score of 38 in 10 T20Is.
In 2022, Maheesh Theekshana has gone wicketless on 5 occasions in 9 attempts.
Game Changers
Dasun Shanaka might have been dismissed for a duck against Afghanistan, but it is not to be forgotten that he remains Sri Lanka’s best finisher. He has slammed 2 half-centuries in his last 5 T20Is.
Recently, Mosaddek Hossain has turned out to be a saviour for his side in the format. Ever since his 5 for 20 against Zimbabwe a few weeks ago, his confidence has grown multifold. In the game against Afghanistan too, he stood tall by adding 48* with the bat and also got the solitary wicket of Hazratullah Zazai.
Smart Picks
Mushfiqur Rahim could be the best choice as a wicketkeeper. He has scored 3 unbeaten half-centuries in his last 5 T20Is against Sri Lanka. Anything with the gloves will be a bonus.
Although it was a terrible evening for the Sri Lankan batters against the spirited Afghanistan bowlers, Bhanuka Rajapaksa displayed a wide range of shots before he was unfortunately, run-out for 38 off 29 (5 fours and 1 six).
Mustafizur Rahman leaked runs (30 in 3 overs) against Afghanistan but will remain the second-best strike bowler for his side after Shakib. He has taken 11 wickets against Sri Lanka in 8 T20Is.
In his T20I debut against Afghanistan, Matheesha Pathirana was hammered for 16 runs in the only over he bowled. However, his slinging action is likely to keep him in the hunt, especially if Sri Lanka bowl first.
Power Players
In this do-or-die game, Bangladesh will pin their hopes on the all-round brilliance of Shakib Al Hasan. Against Sri Lanka in the format, he has collected 154 runs and picked 12 wickets in 8 games.
Sri Lanka’s progress to the next round will largely depend on how Wanindu Hasaranga performs with the ball. His ability to operate, across situations, makes him an asset in fantasy cricket. Not for nothing has he bagged 21 wickets, including the best of 4 for 12 in his last 10 T20Is.
Fantasy Tip of The Day
Both sides have a reasonably solid middle order. For this round, there will be plenty of all-rounders available for selection.