Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Exciting Second T20 Clash Preview

Batsman faces bowler in front of packed cordon

Can Bangladesh bounce back in the second T20 International against Sri Lanka which is set to take place on Sunday 18 February?

The hosts showed great promise with their batting in the series opener but struggled to make an impact with the ball. This time, they’ll need to bowl with aggression, focusing on yorkers and bouncers rather than a weak length to make breakthroughs.

Sri Lanka arrive brimming with confidence after pulling off their highest successful T20I chase yet. However, their openers will need to step up and build on their solid foundation to keep the momentum going.

Match Details:
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka | Sunday, 18 February | Sylhet International Cricket Stadium | 13:00

Probable Match Winners

Bangladesh 29/20

Tie 35/1

Sri Lanka 57/100

Bangladesh

Bangladesh will be determined to prove their all-round capabilities. With key player Shakib Al Hasan sidelined due to injury, Mushfiqur Rahim needs to lead the batting attack while Nazmul Islam has to deliver with the ball.

Including Tamim Iqbal in the playing XI is crucial. The veteran opener can shift the game in their favour with a big innings, supported by Soumya Sarkar who must replicate his fine form from Dhaka despite potentially tougher conditions in Sylhet.

Apart from needing tighter bowling lengths, they should stick to tried and tested players. Stand-in captain Mohammad Mahmudullah emphasises the importance of bowling yorkers or bouncers instead of balls pitched at a poor length, to trouble the opposition effectively.

The Sylhet International Cricket Stadium is a relatively new venue for big matches, and this will be the first high-profile T20 here contested by Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Historically, teams chasing totals at this ground have had the upper hand, having won five of six matches.

Sri Lanka

Following their dominant chase in the opening T20, Sri Lanka are boosted in confidence and will look to maintain this momentum. They face an opponent eager to tighten their bowling and respond strongly at the crease.

With key players Kusal Perera and Angelo Mathews absent, the responsibility lies heavily on Upul Tharanga and the experienced middle order to anchor the innings. Tharanga’s dismissal early in the last match was a bright spot for Bangladesh, especially spinner Nazmul Islam, who will target that same weakness.

Bangladesh may open with two spinners, giving Mohammad Saifuddin a chance to bowl in the middle overs when there’s more scope for variation. Sri Lanka’s middle-order batsmen are seasoned and well aware of these strategies, ready to adapt their game and counter Bangladesh’s plan.

Sri Lanka’s bowling will need to improve after some trouble in the previous match, especially from seamer Shehan Madushanka, who will aim to fend off an aggressive Tamim Iqbal in what could be a defining performance.

Verdict: Bangladesh 29/20

At this relatively untapped venue, Bangladesh has the potential to level the series with some quick adjustments, as they prepare for their upcoming challenge against India in March.