Sri Lanka Team. (Photo Source: Sri Lanka Cricket)

After a disappointing outing against South Africa, Sri Lanka would be hoping for a quick turnaround as they face Bangladesh in their second encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. This encounter between the Asian giants will be played at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on 8th June 2024 (6 A.M IST). 

Sri Lanka have some issues to resolve prior to the start of the game and might make some changes to their line-up. Another change that they might make would be to fix down the batting order and stick with it. The 2014 T20 World Cup champions cannot afford to lose another game in this tournament, otherwise, their chances of making it out of the group would be quite bleak. 

Here is how Sri Lanka might line up against Bangladesh in Match 15 –

Openers: Kusal Mendis (WK), Pathum Nissanka

Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka. (Source -Twitter/X)

Prior to the start of the tournament, a lot of faith was kept in Kusal Mendis to lead the batting for the Sri Lankan team in the T20 World Cup in the United States of America and West Indies. He got a good start in the opener against South Africa but could not convert it into a big knock. However, he can be a great asset to the team if he stays at the crease for a long time.

A lot of expectations were there from Pathum Nissanka to continue his good run of form in white ball cricket. However, a poor innings against South Africa might have hampered his confidence a bit but will look to bounce back in amazing fashion with a good knock against Bangladesh tomorrow.

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Middle Order – Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Sadeera Samawickrama

Charith Asalanka. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)

The team management decided to back Kamindu Mendis despite no great showing with the bat in the previous few encounters. The main issue may be that he is not able to convert his starts and get a significant contribution for the team. He is likely to retain his place this time around but needs to score a big knock sooner rather than later.

It was a rather rare failure for Sadeera Samarawickrama as he got out without scoring a single run in the game against South Africa. He will be looking to have a great game against Bangladesh on a track that might be supportive for the batters. The batter can stabilize the innings after quick fall of wickets and can also hit the big shots whenever required.

The middle order will be dependent on the performance of Charith Asalanka in the upcoming few matches. The batter is known to change the tide of the game with his amazing game awareness and has the ability to hit the big shots at crucial junctures of the game.

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All-rounders –  Angelo Matthews, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka

Wanindu Hasaranga. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)

One of the players who showed some resilience with the bat was Angelo Matthews as the veteran was able to string together some runs for the team when they required it the most. He would be looking to contribute to the team’s cause once again in the upcoming encounter with both bat and ball.

It was certainly a surprise to see Wanindu Hasaranga come out to bat at number four on a tricky wicket. The move certainly failed as the skipper couldn’t muster a single run against South Africa. He had a great spell with the ball as he claimed two wickets and gave some hope to his team in the low scoring encounter.

The former Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews had a decent outing against South Africa as he smashed some boundaries but ultimately lost his wicket pretty sheepishly. The all-rounder provides the right balance to the side and would be looking to make a significant contribution for his side in this forthcoming fixture in Dallas.

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Bowlers – Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara

Matheesha-Pathirana. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Sri Lanka’s bowling is one of their biggest strengths and Pathirana being fit for the tournament after an injury scare is good news. The pacer had a great IPL campaign and would look to bring that form in this game against Bangladesh. The team is trying to use him in the same manner the Chennai Super Kings did throughout the season.

Along with Hasaranga, the spin duties would be shared with Maheesh Theekshana as the latter would look to trouble the batters on wickets providing grip and turn for the spinner. If he can have a great game with the ball, then he can lead his side to victory without much trouble.

The pace department is bolstered by Nuwan Thushara as the pacer has been a key player for the teams he has represented this year in the shortest format. He has the ability to scalp wickets with the new ball and can be lethal at the death with his precise yorkers.

Sri Lanka’s Predicted XI against Bangladesh –

Kusal Mendis (WK), Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Angelo Matthews, Wanindu Hasaranga (C), Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Sadeera Samawickrama, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thusara