Exciting Tri-Series Preview: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Showdown | Hollywoodbets Sports Blog

India have already secured their place in Sunday’s final, making Friday’s match a nail-biting semi-final between two teams with one win each in this T20I series. One more victory will seal the deal.

Bangladesh aims to replicate their earlier triumph over Sri Lanka in this tournament, while the Sri Lankan squad is keen to claim sweet revenge on home soil.

 

 

Hosting the tournament, it would be a major disappointment if Sri Lanka fail to make the final. Their form has been patchy—losing to Bangladesh yet overpowering India—but they need consistency now in this semi-final, backed by their spirited home crowd.

The decision to use an extra seamer previously paid dividends and is likely to be a strategy again. Akila Dananjaya must spearhead the attack with the ball, replicating his earlier effective performance.

Captain Dinesh Chandimal will miss out due to a two-match suspension for over-rate violations, returning only if Sri Lanka reach the final. Thisara Perera steps up as acting skipper but must balance leadership with his critical roles both with bat and ball.

A key issue from the previous loss was the inability of any of the top three batsmen to convert promising starts into big scores. Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, and Kusal Perera are all eager to break this trend with impactful innings, possibly cracking a century or a strong 80-plus to lead their team.

Big news from the Tigers camp is the return of veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who was initially ruled out due to a finger injury but has since made a strong recovery after treatment in Thailand and Australia. His presence brings massive strength to Bangladesh, filling multiple crucial roles.

Shakib will also resume captaincy, easing the burden on stand-in skipper Mohammad Mahmudullah and key batsmen Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim—both vital run-scorers and contributors to team stability.

While no captain has yet chosen to bat first in this tournament, Shakib might gamble on an unusual decision to disrupt Sri Lanka’s rhythm. Weather forecasts predict rain, which might make chasing totals tricky for the hosts and could work in Bangladesh’s favour.

Containing Kusal is critical for Bangladesh’s bowling unit. Kusal’s recent return to the T20I side has seen him blaze four half-centuries in five matches with an impressive average nearing 50. Bowlers Mustafizur Rahman or Rubel Hossain are expected to play a pivotal role in attacking his form, setting up an enthralling personal battle.