Today’s match will be an acid test for Bangladesh as they face host Sri Lanka in their last crucial league match of Nidahas Trophy T20I tri-nation series to be held this evening at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The match kicks off at 7.30 pm (BST), reports BSS.
Both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are looking forward for a victory against each other on Friday's encounter to book the final spot against India, who already confirmed their final berth at the series. Both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh lost to India and the two sides have not yet booked a spot in the final.
The Islanders will be wary of their opponents after Bangladesh managed to chase down the daunting total of 215 in their previous encounter to give Sri Lanka their first defeat in the series.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be determined to secure a repeated performance against the home side and make it to the final.
Ahead of the crucial match, a good news for the Tigers' fans is that Shakib Al Hasan is set to make a surprise return with the team against Sri Lanka. The winner of this match will face India in the final in Colombo on Sunday (March 17).
Bangladesh will welcome this development with the belief of repeating their last match heroics against Sri Lanka. The 17-run loss incurred against India left The Tigers with no option but to thrash Sri Lanka on Friday's match to enter the Tri-series final.
In this crucial stage, Shakib Al Hasan's joining will comfort the Bangladeshi dressing room. He is the highest wicket-taker for Bangladesh in the T20Is and also the only bowler to take more than 50 wickets. He is also second on the list of most T20I runs for Bangladesh apart from Tamim Iqbal, the only batsman to reach 1000 ODI runs in 37 innings.
Shakib could also fill the role of a pinch-hitter in the batting line-up. Sri Lanka will be wary of his all-round prowess, particularly in a T20 tournament in which four good overs make a big difference.
Mushfiqur Rahim is now in his pick form as he already hit two consecutive half centuries in the series. Riding on his career best knock, Bangladesh chased down the record total against Sri Lanka and the diminutive batsman again carried his form against India scoring unbeaten 72-run.
The Tigers' fans are again expecting the same performance from Mushfiqur on Friday's vital match against Sri Lanka. On the other hand, the host are worried with their bowling performance.
Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Pradeep have missed lengths at crucial moments while Suranga Lakmal hasn't been convincing in his only appearance. Isuru Udana, who bowled decently in the T20s in Bangladesh last month, could get a look-in. They will also expect Akila Dananjaya and Thisara Perera to slow things down.Squads:
Bangladesh (probable)- Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim(wicket keeper), Mahmudullah (captain), Shakib Al Hasan, Sabbir Rahman, Mehidy Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain and Abu Hider.
Sri Lanka (probable) - Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera (wicket keeper), Upul Tharanga, Thisara Perera (captain), Dasun Shanaka, Jeevan Mendis, Akila Dananjaya, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Pradeep.