Who: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
What: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Group D match
When: Friday, June 7, 7:30pm local time (00:30 GMT)
Where: Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas
How to follow: Al Jazeera will provide live text coverage of the match from 21:30 GMT.

Following a significant loss in their debut match against South Africa, Sri Lanka is determined to bounce back in Dallas against Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka was bowled out for 77 – their lowest score in T20 internationals – facing South Africa’s fast bowlers on a challenging pitch, resulting in a six-wicket defeat.

The defeat placed Sri Lanka at fourth in Group D, trailing behind South Africa, the Netherlands, and Nepal. Additionally, Sri Lanka’s net run rate, which currently stands at -1.048, took a hit, making it crucial for them to avoid another loss.

“We had a productive discussion with the team, and they are aware of their errors,” commented Sri Lanka’s batting coach Thilina Kandambi on Thursday.

“The players have enough experience to make a strong comeback. We have prepared well for the match. I believe the boys are ready for it.”

Bangladesh aims for better performance

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have shared a competitive rivalry. Over recent years, this rivalry has intensified, adding drama to their matchups.

While Sri Lanka’s start to the tournament was rocky, Bangladesh’s form in the shortest format hasn’t been impressive this year either.

Bangladesh faced a heavy loss against India in a pre-tournament warm-up match and a surprising T20 series defeat against the USA before the World Cup.

However, Bangladesh’s captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, is optimistic despite past defeats.

“The top-order batsmen did struggle, but we have a new opportunity tomorrow,” Shanto stated.

“Everyone is putting in their best effort in practice. Considering our progress, the team is in good shape.”

He emphasized the importance of players capitalizing on their starts.

“We are working diligently. If we can implement our plans, it should be an exciting match,” he added.

The outcome of Friday’s match will significantly impact both teams' chances of advancing from the challenging group to the Super Eight stage.

Sri Lanka won the T20 World Cup in 2014, whereas Bangladesh’s best performance was reaching the second round.

Pitch and weather conditions

The Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas has hosted three matches with varied outcomes. The first was high-scoring, the second low-scoring, and the third saw the USA defeating Pakistan in a super over after both teams tallied 159 runs.

The pitch is expected to favor batting, and the weather forecast indicates fair conditions with no rain.

Head-to-head

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have clashed 16 times in T20 internationals, with Sri Lanka securing 11 victories.

Form

In their last World Cup match, Sri Lanka lost to South Africa by six wickets. Prior to the tournament, Sri Lanka won series against Bangladesh (2-1) in March and Afghanistan (2-1) in February.

Bangladesh recently lost a series 2-1 to the USA at the end of May, but they defeated Zimbabwe 4-1 in an earlier series.

Sri Lanka: L W L W L
Bangladesh: W L L L W

Sri Lanka team news

Sri Lanka is likely to include Dushmantha Chameera in place of either Nuwan Thushara or Maheesh Theekshana, depending on conditions. The batting coach hinted minimal changes from the previous match.

Squad: Wanindu Hasaranga, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka.

Bangladesh team news

Taskin Ahmed returns after a hamstring injury, but Shoriful Islam, who injured his hand in a warm-up game, remains uncertain.

Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto, Taskin Ahmed, Litton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Shakib Al Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah Riyad, Jaker Ali Anik, Tanvir Islam, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.