The two South Asian nations are set to resume their heated cricket rivalry in a three-match Twenty20 series ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, rather than India and Pakistan, will play the first match of a T20 series in Sylhet, Bangladesh on Monday, less than three months before this year's marquee cricket event.
Bangladesh captain Nazimul Hossain Shanto on Sunday said the team wants to use this series to complete the format ahead of the World Cup in June.
The series marks the start of Sri Lanka's month-long tour to Bangladesh, which also includes three one-day international races and two Tests.
Shant said it's important to “play as a team,” noting last year's big win was “everybody contributed.”
Bangladesh defeated world champions England 3-0 at home in 2023, and also won series against the Republic of Ireland and Afghanistan, before drawing 1-1 in three consecutive matches against New Zealand.
Chant said he hopes to maintain the momentum heading into this year's World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States and West Indies.
“Last year we performed well in the T20s,” he told reporters.
“It's very important to play eight or 11 games before going to the World Cup.
“Once you watch these games and decide how you want to play in the World Cup, it will be easier to make a plan.”
The World Cup is also an important focus for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood said he was expecting a “very competitive series between good teams”.
“Obviously we are currently preparing for an important tournament at the World Cup,” he said.
“What we have to do is… focus on what’s in front of us and remember what we’re aiming for.”
Trophy unveiling 🏆 | T20i series
Netherlands Bangla Bank Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka #BCB | #cricket | #BANvSL pic.twitter.com/9or37uvkhE— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) March 3, 2024
'Nagin Dance' rivalry revived
The two teams have developed a fierce rivalry over the past few years, with provocative words being exchanged on the field and placards held up in the stands every time they play each other.
The venomous on-field celebrations that started with the 2018 'naagin dance' have also become almost permanent.
The last time the two teams met was in the 50-over World Cup, which Bangladesh won by three wickets, but it was not without some controversial moments on the ground.
Sri Lanka's Angelo Matthews became the first to be sent off for a 'timeout' in an international match for failing to guard and not declaring that he was ready to face the bowler within two minutes of regulation time after the dismissal of the last batsman. became a cricket player.
Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan appealed to be sent off for “running out of time”, an appeal upheld by the field umpire.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are in Group D of the World Cup along with South Africa, Nepal and Netherlands.
The second and third T20 matches will be held on March 6 and 9, both in Sylhet.
Sri Lanka, who arrived in Bangladesh on Thursday, will also play three one-day internationals and two Tests during their month-long tour.
Match results
Bangladesh has never beaten Sri Lanka in a Twenty20 series. The two teams have met 13 times so far, with Sri Lanka in the lead with nine wins compared to Bangladesh's three.
Team News: Bangladesh
Bangladesh recalled wicketkeeper-batsman Jayker Ali to replace injured uncapped spinner Alis Al Islam.
Alice, an off-spinner, injured his finger while playing for Comilla Victorians in the recently concluded Bangladesh Premier League.
Bangladesh representative: Nazimul Hossain Shanto (captain), Litton Das, Anamul Haq, Mohammad Naim, Twid Hridoy, Sowmya Sarkar, Mahedi Hasan, Mahmudullah Riyad, Taijul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Saqib, Jaykar Ali Anik.
Team News: Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka captain Wanindu Hasaranga will miss the first two matches due to a disciplinary suspension. Meanwhile, Kusal Perera is suffering from a respiratory infection and will be replaced by Niroshan Dickwella.
Sri Lanka representative: Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadira Samarawickrama, Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga (captain), Charice Asaranka, Akila Dhananjaya, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Matthews, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka , Binula Fernando, Dilshan Madhushanka, Matisha Pathirana, Mahish Theekshana, Nuwanthushala, Jeffrey Vandersay
Team updates
Kusal Janis Perera, who was included in the T20I squad, will not participate in the series as he is suffering from a respiratory infection.
Perera did not join the team that left for Bangladesh yesterday.
The cricket selection committee has selected Niroshan Dickwella… pic.twitter.com/kXUBzxmv6N— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) March 1, 2024
