Dasun Shanaka will be optimistic of a fine performance by his bowlers, who have showcased the ability to make their presence felt against Bangladesh.
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Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka has opted to field after winning the toss in the Super 12 Group 1 encounter of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup against Bangladesh. Shanaka’s decision is certainly not an unusual one considering the choices made by the skippers winning the toss in the ongoing tournament. Nearly everyone has looked to field which has been backed by results as well. It will be interesting to see if Sri Lanka are able to maintain the same dominance or Bangladesh snap the trend.
Shanaka stated that his decision to field was influenced by the fine performances by his bowlers.
“We are going to bowl first. Our bowlers are doing a good job for us. After the IPL, the wicket is up-and-down, can’t guess what it is, that’s why we want to bowl. The environment has been really good, we are in a very good mood. The youngsters are doing a good job and they are very confident as well. We have an injury concern. Maheesh Theekshana is out. Binura Fernando comes back in,” he said as quoted by Cricbuzz.
The Sri Lanka skipper had earlier opted to bat in the qualifying encounter of the T20 World Cup 2021 against Namibia as well.
“I opted to bat yesterday because we all needed to have a close look at the wickets. Now we have a good idea as to how the wicket will behave so now we know what it is. It was a great bowling display by our bowlers. If we get a chance to bat first, we know the wickets and conditions and can play accordingly,” said Shanaka.
Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah admitted that he would have looked to bat after winning the toss.
“We would have batted first. We need to adapt to the conditions that we are going to face. Hopefully it’ll be a good one to bat on. Bit of a relief after the first loss. The boys are relaxed and quite free now, hopefully we can come out here and be disciplined. Taskin is not playing. Nasum Ahmed comes in,” he said.
Coach Russell Domingo had earlier stated that his players needed to step up with the bat.
“There’s always room for improvement in every department. We know we haven’t clicked with the bat yet; we know there’s a lot of improvement that can take place there at the start, in the middle and the death. So we’re looking for a general all-round improvement with the batting. But we’re happy with the way it’s gone with the ball. We’ve been pretty good in the field. Obviously, we need to see the conditions tomorrow because they’re different from those in Oman. That’s going to be a challenge for us,” said Domingo.
Lineups:
Bangladesh (Playing XI): Mohammad Naim, Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah(c), Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan(w), Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman.
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Kusal Perera(w), Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka(c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Lahiru Kumara.
