When the number one side in the T20 format face against the number ten there must be no debate in terms of results but as they say cricket is a funny game. Bangladesh are capable in the shortest format of the game and the home side will be eyeing a big scalp when they face Sri Lanka in the first of the two match T20 series at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium today.
However the recent issue regarding Tamim Iqbal’s resignation from the vice captaincy has cast a cloud over the Bangladesh camp and it will be a test of character as the home side also go into the game without their regular captain Mushfiqur Rahim due to injury.
ZACS will host its first ever T20 match and the wicket will offer runs for the batting side. Arafat Sunny the left arm spinner and Mithun Ali the wicketkeeper-batsman replacing skipper Mushfiq are likely to make their T20 debuts.
Arafat Sunny who has been successful in the domestic circuit for some time has T20 experience in the Bangladesh premier League and will be a player to watch.Mithun Ali has the ability to score quick runs along with keeping wicketand has performed admirably in recent domestic tournaments.
Bangladesh have not been very successful in the shortest form of the game and will be looking to utilize the series for the upcoming World T20 competition.
Though there are concerns over the dashing opener Tamim Iqbal who is suffering from neck strain a final decision is likely to be made in the morning.However it is still yet to be confirmed that Shamsur Rahman will be his partner when Bangladesh start their innings.
Shakib al Hasan will have to play a vital role in the Bangladesh line up both with bat and ball as the left hander is the most experienced cricketer in this format of the game while skipper Mashrafe Mortaza will lead the bowling attack for the home side. However Mashrafe is yet to deliver when it comes to bowling at the death.
Off spinner Sohag Gazi, Shakib al Hasan and Arafat Sunny will have to take the responsibility along with Farhad Reza who is set to make a comeback to the national side after his recent domestic performances.
Mominul Haque will hold the responsibility in the middle order with Shakib and Nasir Hossain while the team management may go for Mahmudullah or new comer Sabbir Rahman who is a handy batsman who also bowls leg spin.
While Mithun Ali will be keeping wicket and batting in the middle order if Tamim does not play because of his neck injury Anamul Haque will get the opportunity to open the innings with Shamsur.
So far the home side will be heading into the game with only one fast bowler in the line up with Mashrafe. Al Amin’s chances of playing appear slim as Bangladesh will be heavily relying on their all rounders when they come out today.
Meanwhile Sri Lanka received a last minute blow as Mahela Jayawardene injured the webbing between his third and fourth finger while taking a high catch at practice and hee was rushed to the Metropolitan Hospital where they gave him stitches. This is the same area where he split the webbing while trying to grab a low chance in the slips in the first innings of the Dubai Test against Pakistan last month.
The visiting side will retain their number one position if they manage to win the series 2-0 however if they lose the series by same margin they will lose their number one spot to India.
Sri Lanka has a nice mixture of youth and experience with young opener Kusal Perera will open the innings with experienced Dilshan while Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Matthews will hold the ship in the middle order while fast bowler Lasith Malinga will be leading the bowling attack for the visitors.
Probable XI
Bangladesh Tamim Iqbal, Shamsur Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan ,Mominul Haque, Mithun Ali (wk), Nasir Hossain, Mahmudullah/Sabbir Rahman, Farhad Reza, Sohag Gazi, Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Arafat Sunny
Sri Lanka Kusal Perera, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara, Dinesh Chandimal (capt & wk), Angelo Mathews, Seekuge Prasanna/Angelo Perera, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Sachitra Senanayake, Lasith Malinga