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

Sri Lanka have performed exceedingly well in the first round of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. They topped Group A after winning three out of three matches. Sri Lanka bundled out Netherlands for just 44 runs in the last game and then chased down the score in just 7.1 overs.

Dasun Shanaka and Co. will begin their Super 12 campaign against Bangladesh at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. They would be hoping to continue the winning momentum further into the tournament. Here’s a look at our predicted playing XI of Sri Lanka against Bangladesh.

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

Openers: Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera

Nissanka played a stellar knock of 61 runs off 47 deliveries against Ireland, but failed to replicate that performance in the other two games. On a sluggish track of Sharjah, Sri Lanka would be hoping him to play well and give a good start.

His partner, Kusal Perera returned to form with an unbeaten 33-run knock against Netherlands. That knock should give him enough confidence and is likely to keep the team in good stead.

Middle-Order: Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, B Rajapaksa

Charith Asalanka replaced Dinesh Chandimal in the last game against Netherlands. He got out for only 6 runs but leaving him out only after one game won’t do justice to his talent. The Sri Lankan batsman is likely to be retained for the game on Sunday.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Avishka Fernando stitched a match-winning 74-run partnership for the fourth wicket against Namibia. However, the duo has been short of runs since. With the top order not in the best of form, both these two cricketers need to come up with substantial performances.

All-rounders: W Hasaranga, D Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne

Sri Lanka’s all-rounder, Wanindu Hasaranga has stood out on all the expectations in the tournament. He has picked 6 wickets in 3 matches at an average of 7.50. His 71-run knock against Ireland gave an insight on his batting prowess. Chamika Karunaratne too has done a decent job with the bat. He hasn’t got the chance to perform with the bat, though.

Bowlers: Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana and Lahiru Kumara

Dushmantha Chameera and Lahiru Kumara should continue leading the pace-attack. Neither of them has done anything wrong to leave them out of the playing eleven. Lahiru Kumar has managed to pick 7 wickets in 3 matches at an average of under 6. The biggest bet in the bowling department for Sri Lanka, however, will continue to be the mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana.

He has been vital to Sri Lanka’s success in the tournament. He has bowled exceeding well in the powerplay and managed to pick wickets on all occasions. Theekshana currently has 8 wickets in 3 matches at an average of under 6.