ICC World Cup 2019 Match 16, Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Defeating South Africa, almost pulling off a heist against New Zealand, and running into a brick wall against England: such has been Bangladesh‘s journey in the 2019 World Cup. Contrast this to Sri Lanka‘s – a one-way rout to New Zealand, a hard-fought win against Afghanistan, and a washout against Pakistan – and you will know why, despite being below Sri Lanka in the points table, Bangladesh will take field as favourites at Bristol.

Bangladesh have impressed, and a lot of that has to do with Shakib Al Hasan. With two fifties and a hundred in three innings, Shakib is 45 runs clear of anyone else’s tally in addition to his economy rate of 5.60, often bowling in the Powerplay or at the death.

There have been other contributions too, from Soumya Sarkar at the top, Mushfiqur Rahim in the middle overs, and Mosaddek Hossain towards the end. The bowling, unfortunately, has not been as good.

Sri Lanka have fared worse. They are yet to hit the 200-mark, and that has largely been due to their terrible middle order, who have scored 17 runs for the loss of 8 wickets. The bowling has not been great either barring Lasith Malinga and Nuwan Pradeep against Afghanistan – and Pradeep has been ruled out of the Afghanistan match.

Head to head

Sri Lanka hold a 36-7 lead here, though Bangladesh have done reasonably well of late: the head to head numbers read 3-3 since 2017.

In World Cup cricket, however, there has been no comparison: Sri Lanka won by 10 wickets in 2003 (Chaminda Vaas took 4 wickets including a hat-trick in the first 5 balls of the match), by 198 runs in 2007, and by 92 runs in 2015.

Key players

Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh): Bangladesh need full points here, and who better to guide them than the top-ranked ODI all-rounder in the world? As mentioned, Shakib has been the batsman of the tournament till now, and has contributed with ball as well.

Thisara Perera (Sri Lanka): There are two versions of Thisara. Till now, barring the odd six or a short burst, we have seen the harmless one, but we all know how he can change the course of matches within a short span of time – with bat or ball. All eyes will be on him.

Likely XIs

Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Mustafizur Rahman.

Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Kusal Perera (wk), Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Jeevan Mendis, Isuru Udana, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga.

Prediction

Bangladesh to win, but not without Sri Lanka putting up a fight.