SL vs BAN: Bangladesh's (BAN) Predicted Playing XI Against Sri Lanka (SL) - ICC T20 World Cup 2021, Match 15

After losing their first game of the qualifying round against Scotland, Bangladesh’s hopes of reaching the Super 12 took a beating. However, they made a roaring comeback thereafter as they beat Oman and Papua New Guinea in their next two games. Thanks to those two wins, Bangladesh finishes the first round at the second position in the Group B table and confirmed their spot in the Super 12s.

Bangladesh will begin their Super 12 campaign against Sri Lanka on Sunday at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. They would be keen to start their campaign on a winning note. Here’s a look at our predicted playing XI of Bangladesh against Sri Lanka.

SL vs BAN: Bangladesh’s (BAN) Predicted Playing XI Against Sri Lanka (SL) – ICC T20 World Cup 2021, Match 15

Openers: Liton Das and M Naim

In his very first game againt Oman, M Naim played a blistering knock of 64 runs in just 50 deliveries, including three fours and 4 sixes. He got out on naught in the last game against Papua New Guinea but is likely to open against Sri Lanka on Sunday.

He will partner with Liton Das, who has played all three games so far. After enduring low scores in the first two games, Das scored 29 runs off 23 balls in the last game against Papua New Guinea. That should give him some confidence ahead of an important encounter against Sri Lanka.

Middle-Order: Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Nurul Hasan and Afif Hussain

Mushfiqur Rahim’s poor form is currently the biggest concern for Bangladesh. He played a decent 38-run knock in the first game but it was followed by scores of 6 and 5. On the slow and sluggish track of Sharjah Cricket Stadium, the wicket-keeper batsman will have a lot of responsibility on his shoulders.

Skipper, Mahmudullah played an outstanding half-century off 28 balls in the last game against Papua New Guinea. It should give him a world of confidence. How well he plays against the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana on Sunday will be there to see.

Wicket-keeper batsman, Nurul Hasan should continue donning the gloves, while Afif Hussain too is likely to make the cut as well. He made a valuable contribution of 21 runs off 14 balls in the last game and would be hoping to play a similar inning on Sunday.

All-rounders: Shakib Al Hasan, Mahedi Hasan

There is no denying that Shakib Al Hasan is Bangladesh’s most valuable player. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball is unmatched. He has contributed significantly in all departments of the game thus far. He is currently the highest wicket-taker and third-highest run-scorer in the tournament.

Without a doubt, he will be key to Bangladesh’s fortune in the tournament against Sri Lanka. His compatriot, Mahedi Hasan too has bowled exceedingly well in the tournament. He has kept the batsmen silent with his turn and guile in the middle overs. In three matches, he has managed to pick 5 wickets at an average of 10.60.

Bowlers: Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman and M Saifuddin

Mustafizur Rahman should continue to share the fast bowling duties alongside Taskin Ahmed and M Saifuddin. Rahman has proved to be a bit expensive but also picked wickets. In 3 matches, he has managed to pick 6 wickets.

Taskin Ahmed and M Saiffudin both bowled at great lengths in the last game against Papua New Guinea. Taskin Ahmed picked 2 for 12 runs in 3.3 overs, while M Saifuddin claimed two wickets for 21 runs in 4 overs.