Two South Asian nations are set to renew their heated cricket rivalry with a Twenty20 three-match sequence as they eye the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka – not India and Pakistan – will play the primary match T20 sequence in Sylhet, Bangladesh on Monday, lower than three months forward of cricket’s showpiece occasion of the yr.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto stated on Sunday that he desires his group to make use of the sequence to excellent the format forward of the World Cup in June.
The sequence marks the beginning of Sri Lanka’s month-long tour of Bangladesh, which additionally consists of three one-day internationals and two Exams.
Shanto stated it was important to “play as a team”, noting that they bagged massive wins final yr when “everyone contributed”.
Bangladesh defeated world champions England 3-0 at dwelling in 2023, and in addition received sequence in opposition to the Republic of Eire and Afghanistan, earlier than drawing a three-match sequence 1-1 in opposition to New Zealand.
Shanto stated he wished to maintain the momentum going into the World Cup, hosted this yr by america and the West Indies.
“Last year, we did well in T20s,” he advised reporters.
“It is vitally necessary that we play eight or 11 matches earlier than going to the World Cup.
“If we take these matches… and decide how we want to play in the World Cup, then it will be easy to plan.”
The World Cup is a key focus of Sri Lanka, too.
Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood stated he was anticipating a “very competitive series between two good sides”.
“Obviously, we’re now in the build-up to what is an important competition in the World Cup,” he stated.
“What we have to do … is concentrate on what’s in front of us and remember what we’re aiming for.”
Trophy Unveiling 🏆 | T20i Collection
Dutch-Bangla Financial institution Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka #BCB | #Cricket | #BANvSL pic.twitter.com/9or37uvkhE— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) March 3, 2024
Return of the ‘Nagin dance’ rivalry
The groups have developed a hotly-contested rivalry over the previous few years, and each time they meet, there isn’t a scarcity of provocative phrases on the sector and placards within the stands.
Venomous on-field celebrations – which began with the “Nagin dance” in 2018 – are virtually a everlasting fixture as effectively.
The final time each groups met was within the 50-over World Cup, when Bangladesh received by three wickets, however not with out controversial scenes on the bottom.
Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews turned the primary cricketer to be dismissed “timed out” in a world match as he didn’t take guard and declare himself able to face the bowler inside the stipulated time of two minutes because the dismissal of the final batter.
Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan appealed for a “timed out” dismissal, which was upheld by the on-field umpire.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are each in Group D for the World Cup, together with South Africa, Nepal and the Netherlands.
The second and third T20 matches might be held on March 6 and 9, each additionally at Sylhet.
Sri Lanka, who arrived in Bangladesh on Thursday, may also play three one-day internationals and two Exams in the course of the month-long tour.
Head-to-head report
Bangladesh have by no means defeated Sri Lanka in a Twenty20 sequence. Each groups have met on 13 events and Sri Lanka maintain the higher hand with 9 wins in comparison with Bangladesh’s three.
Crew information: Bangladesh
Bangladesh have recalled wicketkeeper-batsman Jaker Ali, changing injured uncapped spinner Aliss Al Islam.
Off-spinner Aliss sustained a finger harm whereas taking part in for Comilla Victorians within the not too long ago completed Bangladesh Premier League.
Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Litton Das, Anamul Haque, Mohammad Naim, Towhid Hridoy, Soumya Sarkar, Mahedi Hasan, Mahmudullah Riyad, Taijul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Jaker Ali Anik.
Crew information: Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s captain Wanindu Hasaranga will miss the primary two matches as a consequence of a disciplinary suspension. In the meantime, Kusal Perera is affected by a respiratory an infection and might be changed by Niroshan Dickwella.
Sri Lanka squad: Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga (captain), Charith Asalanka, Akila Dananjaya, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Binura Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Jeffrey Vandersay
Crew updates
Kusal Janith Perera, who was included within the T20I squad, is not going to participate within the sequence as he’s affected by a respiratory an infection.
Perera didn’t be a part of the group, which left for Bangladesh yesterday.
The Cricket Choice Committee has named Niroshan Dickwella… pic.twitter.com/kXUBzxmv6N— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) March 1, 2024