Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan. Credits: Bangladesh Cricket Board.

SL vs BAN Match Preview- ICC T20 World Cup 2021, Match 15. Sri Lanka will play against Bangladesh in the 15th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 on Sunday. Both teams were part of the 8 teams that played in the first round. Impressive performances helped them reach the Super 12 stage.

On Sunday at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, they will open their Super 12 campaign. Here’s a look at how these two teams have performed thus far in the tournament.

SL vs BAN Match Preview- ICC T20 World Cup 2021, Match 15

Sri Lanka:

Sri Lanka National Cricket Team
Image Source: Twitter

Sri Lanka topped the Group A of the qualifying round, winning three out of three matches. Looking at how they have played thus far, there is no denying that their bowling is their strongest suit. Spinners have made a great purchase from the surfaces.

Mystery spinner, Maheesh Theekshana has proved to be a great asset for the side. He has bowled extremely well, especially in the power play, denying the batsmen to get a good starts in the power play. He is currently the leading wicket-taker for the side with 8 wickets in 3 matches.

His counterpart, Wanindu Hasaranga has been equally brilliant in the middle-overs. His variations have been tough to comprehend and therefore, he has managed to pick 6 wickets in 3 matches at an average of 7.50. The pacers have done a decent job so far.

The batting has lacked consistency, however. None of the batsmen has been consistent and that could be a concern for them. Against a solid bowling attack of Bangladesh, the batting unit might crumble on a slow track of Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Bangladesh:

Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan. Credits: Bangladesh Cricket Board.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, finished second on the Group B of the qualifying round. They began their tournament with a defeat at the hands of Scotland, before winning their next two games. Much like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh won the games due to its exceptional bowling performance.

The spin duo of Shakib Al Hasan and Mahedi Hasan have kept the batsmen guessing with their turn and guile. Shakib has made an outstanding contribution to the team in both departments.

The former Bangladesh skipper currently has the most number of wickets in the tournament, with 9 wickets in 3 matches at an average of 6.00. Mahedi Hasan, on the other hand, has 5 wickets. Muztafizur Rahman has 6 wickets in 3 matches but has been a little expensive.

Bangladesh’s biggest concern right now is the poor form of the top three. The opening duo of Liton Das and Saumya Sarkar has made a little contribution, while Mushfiqur Rahman too has endured a lean patch.

Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah have done the bulk of the scoring but team would be wanting the other players to step up as well.