Sri Lanka, Bangladesh seek maiden wins to stay alive
Overview
Sri Lanka v Bangladesh
WT20 Match 11
Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet
SL v SA: Full match highlights
Batting has been a problem area for both teams. Bangladesh have been good in more familiar conditions of late, as their win in the 2018 Asia Cup proves, but on slightly trickier pitches, they have stumbled – like against the Windies and England; they were bundled for just 46 in the first game, while managing just 76 in the latter.
Sri Lanka's batters also fared poorly against the quality seam-bowling attack of the South Africans after their game against England was washed out. Both teams will have plenty of amends to make in that area.
ENG v BAN: Full match highlights
As for the bowling, both teams have looked decent. On tracks that are also offering something for spinners, Bangladesh have looked formidable, and although they were comfortably beaten by both the Windies and England, their bowlers caused plenty of troubles on both occasions – they even gave England bit of a scare in a modest chase of just 77.
Sri Lanka's quicks Udeshika Prabodani and Sripali Weerakkody were impressive against the South Africans and posed some serious questions in their opening spells. They will hope to repeat the performance when they face off with Bangladesh.
Hasini Perera and Shasikala Siriwardena showed promising signs with the bat in the match against South Africa, but they will need to make more substantial contributions. For Bangladesh, the highest individual score in two games has been opener Ayasha Rahman's 39 in the second game. Apart from that, no one has topped 12.
Bangladesh's batting woes do seem a little more grave at the moment. More established players like Shamima Sultana, Nigar Sultana and Fargana hoque absolutely have to raise their game in order to help their team make a comeback from a poor start.
SL v SA: Marizanne Kapp falls lbw to Shashikala Siriwardana
Key players
Shashikala Siriwardena (Sri Lanka): The experienced campaigner was not only one of the bright spots in the Sri Lanka batting effort against South Africa with a smart 21, but she also sparkled with the ball, taking 1/12 in her four overs, her wily off-spin proving difficult to contend with. The 33-year-old will look to play a big part when her side takes on Bangladesh.
Jahanara Alam (Bangladesh): Not only is she a top-quality seam bowler – she took 3/23 against the Windies in the first game – but can also add some resistance with the bat lower down. Considering the extent of problems Bangladesh have had with the bat, any ability to contribute will be highly valued.
WI v BAN: Jahanara Alam claims 3/23
Conditions
The weather in Gros Islet has been bit of a mood-dampener, with one game even getting washed out and two other games also being affected by rain. The forecast doesn't promise anything different for the upcoming match either. Hopefully, it will stay dry for long enough to allow for some cricket. The pitch has had a fair bit of spice with the new ball getting movement in the air and off the pitch too. Spinners too have had a role to play. That said, the bounce has been true, giving batters value for their shots.
WT20 feature: Chamari Athapaththu
Squads
Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Nilakshi de Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Ama Kanchana, Sugandika Kumari, Eshani Lokusooriya, Dilani Manodara, Yashoda Mendis, Hasini Perera, Udeshika Prabodani, Inoshi Priyadarshani, Oshadhi Ranasinghe, Shashikala Siriwardena, Rebeka Vandort, Sripali Weearakkody
Bangladesh: Salma Khatun (c), Rumana Ahmed, Jahanara Alam, Fargana Hoque, Khadija tul Kubra, Fahima Khatun, Ayasha Rahman, Shamima Sultana, Nahida Akter, Panna Ghosh, Ritu Moni, Sanjida Islam, Nigar Sultana, Lata Mondal, Sharmin Akhter