Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl first against Sri Lanka in the Super Four clash at R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo on Saturday (Sept. 09).
The hosts are eyeing for a 13th consecutive one-day international win, the second-longest winning streak in the format.
Bangladesh captain Shakib al-Hasan says there was no particular reason for his call, adding that he expects some rain later in the day.
Bangladesh have made one change to their side, with Nasum Ahmed coming in for Afif Hossain.
“We are playing with one more extra bowler, so we can restrict Sri Lanka within a reasonable total,” Shakib said. “It’s a must-win game, but having said that, we have to do our basics right. We haven’t been consistent, but today is a game we fancy our chances.”
Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka is happy with the toss, saying he would have chosen to bat first anyway. Sri Lanka are unchanged from their last game.
“I feel it’s a good batting track and later on with the lights, there will be some movement. I expect some turn in the evening,” Shanaka said. “The talk in the camp is about the process. For the batters to get crucial runs and the bowling unit, doesn’t matter what the name is. Whoever is coming in is doing their job.”
Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana.
Bangladesh XI: Mohammad Naim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das, Shakib al-Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shamim Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nasum Ahmed.
-with inputs from agencies
