Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
The tournament is on the line for both these sides, and it is easy to highlight their respective need for improvement.
Batting has not been the strong point for Bangladesh or Sri Lanka in recent times, and if they are to keep hopes alive of a semi finals berth, victory at St Lucia is vital.
If the rain relents, whose batting will hold up better?
Bangladesh have had an interesting tournament to say the least. The first instalment was very encouraging, restricting West Indies to 106 thanks to a fantastic bowling effort, but then getting bowled out for 46. The next game against England was only slightly better, managing 76, before once again showing promise with the ball without enough runs to back it up. Will it be third time lucky for Bangladesh’s batters?
Sri Lanka are in a similar predicament. Beneficiaries of torrential rain during what was meant to be their first game against England, Sri Lanka struggled for batting fluency against a good South African seam attack. In the end, South Africa cruised to victory, and with Bangladesh possessing a high performing bowling attack right now, Sri Lanka need to bring their A-Game.
Key to a Bangladesh win
Bangladesh have lost 19 wickets in two games. Worse, there have been three instances of batters reaching double figures. Even worse, there has only been one batter crossing 13. Against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh’s batting simply must aim up if they wish to keep their tournament alive.
Ayasha Rahman tried her best to hold things together for Bangladesh against England, but lacked support. The likes of Nigar Sultana, Shamima Sultana, Fargana Hoque and Rumana Ahmed are critical to the cause, in both setting up the innings and then leaving wickets in hand to capitalise towards the end of the innings.
With the ball, Bangladesh have left quite the impression in their opening two games. Their spinners have been superb, supporting the excellent Jahanara Alam in fine style. Against a Sri Lankan line up also struggling with the bat, can Bangladesh do enough with the ball to reduce the pressure on their own batters?
Key to a Sri Lanka win
Skipper Chamari Atapattu fell early against South Africa, and it was a struggle from then on.
There is a reliance on Atapattu at the moment, so the runs she gets is vital. However, can Sri Lanka effectively adjust to these conditions with the bat, to build on their encouraging showings against India before this tournament? What impact will Yasoda Mendis and Shashikala Siriwardene have as two batters key to the Sri Lankan cause?
Also, on the bowling front, Sri Lanka seemed to lack penetration against South Africa. Opening bowlers Udeshika Prabodhani and Sripali Weerakkody were honest up front, and a similar effort could reap rewards against a struggling Bangladesh line up. Will they receive the required support from the likes of Shashikala Siriwardene, who was also impressive against South Africa?
Possible teams
Bangladesh: 1. Shamima Sultana (wk), 2. Ayasha Rahman, 3. Fargana Hoque, 4. Nigar Sultana, 5. Rumana Ahmed, 6. Sanjida Islam, 7. Lata Mondal, 8. Jahanara Alam, 9. Fahima Khatun, 10. Salma Khatun (c), 11. Khadija Tul Kubra
Sri Lanka: 1. Yasoda Mendis, 2. Chamari Atapattu (c), 3. Hasani Perera, 4. Shashikala Siriwardene, 5. Oshadi Ranasinghe, 6. Nilakshi de Silva, 7. Eshani Kaushalya, 8. M. Surangika (wk), 9. Sripali Weerakkody, 10. Udeshika Prabodhani, 11. Sugandika Kumari
Stats and Facts
- Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have played four T20Is against each other, winning two each.
- Sri Lanka bowled out eventual Asia Cup 2018 Champions Bangladesh for 63 earlier this year.
- Bangladesh have scored just 122 runs in two games so far in Women’s World T20 2018.
Prediction
If the weather holds, I believe Bangladesh has what it takes to get a victory. Their bowlers are doing really well, and can get them over the line for their first ever win in World T20 cricket.
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