The unwritten semifinal match of Nidahas T-20I series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will be held at Colombo’s Premadasa International Stadium in the evening at 7:00 pm. The winning team will fight against India in the final match.
Hosts Sri Lanka and Bangladesh would expect their batsmen to rise to the occasion when they face each other in a virtual semi-final of the T-20I series in Colombo on Friday. While Bangladesh will get the services of their all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, Sri Lanka will still have to go to the match without their regular skipper Dinesh Chandimal, who is serving a two-match suspension.
Shakib had missed the previous matches of the series due to a finger injury.
Both teams have two points with a victory each. Sri Lanka had surprised India in the tournament-opener while Bangladesh convincingly chased down a massive target of 215, set by the hosts, last week.
In case of a washout, Sri Lanka will proceed to the final, courtesy their better net run-rate. Save last week's defeat, Sri Lanka's recent record against Bangladesh has been impressive. They beat Bangladesh in an away Test and in a T20I series apart from winning the final of the ODI tri-series, which also involved Zimbabwe.
Bangladesh will be aiming for more consistency from their top-order which delivered in one game but disappointed in a couple of other matches against India.
Mushfiqur Rahim will look to continue from where he left against India while Shakib Al Hasan's surprise return will give a much-needed confidence boost to Bangladesh ahead of their do-or-die game.
Bangladesh skipper Mahmudullah admitted that their batters need to step up.
With Shakib's return in the eleven, Nazmul Islam is likely to stepping out to reshape Bangladesh's line-up.
Shakib's inclusion would most likely mean Sabbir Rahman batting at number seven and five specialist bowlers. It should put a smile on interim coach Courtney Walsh's face, as Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman and Mehidy Hasan Miraz can now rely on a very experienced bowler to take the lead role.
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