In the T20 series versus Sri Lanka, Bangladesh aims to make amends

Bangladesh is hoping to improve and get back to winning as they prepare for a three-match T20 series against Sri Lanka. The first match will be played tomorrow (Thursday) at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, starting at 7:30 pm Bangladesh time.

Bangladesh lost the earlier Test series 1-0 and the ODI series 2-1. Liton Das, who missed the last two ODIs due to poor form, will now lead the T20 team.

The team is also trying to end a five-match losing streak in T20s. After winning 3-0 against West Indies last year, they lost 2-1 to the UAE in May and then were beaten 3-0 by Pakistan.

Bangladesh’s power-hitting has always been a concern and was especially weak against UAE. Since then, the players have been practicing power-hitting in training. However, ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz says building partnerships is also key. He believes the team lost the ODI series because they couldn't form big partnerships.

“When batters get set, they get out quickly,” he said. “We need to keep the momentum and rotate strike better.”

Although Bangladesh has only won 6 out of 17 T20s against Sri Lanka, they have had some great moments. Their highest T20 total (215/5) came against Sri Lanka in 2018, when they chased 214 runs successfully, with Mushfiqur Rahim scoring an unbeaten 72 from 35 balls.

Bangladesh will have a full-strength fast bowling attack, as Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman are back after missing the UAE and Pakistan series. Taskin has been in good form, but the team’s batting has often let them down.

The selectors have also brought back pace-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin and batter Naim Sheikh.

Bangladesh squad:

Liton Das (Captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Naim Sheikh, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Patwari, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mohammad Saifuddin

Sri Lanka squad:

Charith Asalanka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamika Karunaratne, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, Eshan Malinga