Who: Sri Lanka vs Nepal
What: ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Group D match
When: Tuesday, June 11, 7:30pm local time (23:30 GMT)
Where: Central Broward Park Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida, United States
How to follow: Al Jazeera’s live text and photo coverage begins at 20:30 GMT

After nearly a year, international cricket returns to Florida with the Central Broward Park Stadium in Lauderhill hosting T20 World Cup group stage matches in the United States.

The venue, which began hosting international matches in 2010, is expected to offer favorable batting conditions compared to its New York counterpart, where pitch conditions have sparked much discussion.

Sri Lanka will welcome the opportunity to play at this familiar ground, having previously competed here many years ago, which might give them an edge over Nepal.

Sri Lanka's batting has been a weak link, and their survival in the tournament depends on this match. As 2014 champions, they hope the change in venue could turn their luck around.

Sri Lanka’s bowling coach, Aqib Javed, believes a strong bowling lineup, including the best leg-spinner and unique slingers, could secure a victory against Nepal.

Javed praised right-arm pacer Nuwan Thushara's four-wicket performance in Sri Lanka’s last match against Bangladesh, highlighting their natural talent and unique capabilities.

Sri Lanka has received plenty of support in the US, but Nepal has also felt the passionate backing from their fans.

Javed, who has coached in the UAE, was taken aback by the passion for cricket in Nepal, recalling a packed stadium with thousands more fans outside.

Javed remarked on Nepal's passion and its impact on their qualifications for the T20 World Cup.

‘We believe we are going to win’

Nepal captain Rohit Paudel feels a win against Sri Lanka would greatly reward their supporters, who turned out in thousands for their first match against the Netherlands.

“It will be a motivation for all of us to express ourselves and grab that first win,” Paudel stated in his pre-match press conference.

“It’s a privilege for us to have such support, and we want to play our best cricket to make them proud and happy.”

With Sri Lanka in a do-or-die situation, Nepal's 21-year-old skipper sees an opportunity to capitalize on Sri Lanka’s pressure.

“Sri Lanka is under more pressure than us. [ICC] associate teams defeating Test-playing countries serves as a motivation for us, especially moving forward to tomorrow’s game.

“We believe that we are going to win tomorrow.”

"If we respect the conditions and present our skills, we are capable of beating any team. That belief is there." 🇳🇵

"In this tournament, there have been a lot of shockers. More than the associate teams, the pressure is on the Test nations. By utilizing on the pressure, we want… pic.twitter.com/9QCEWlBNW9

— CAN (@CricketNep) June 11, 2024

Pitch and weather conditions

The pitch will be used for the first time in the tournament, and though it has produced par scores in the past, showers and thunderstorms could lead to a more balanced contest between bat and ball.

The weather forecast for the match is not promising, with rain and thunderstorms potentially causing delays.

Head-to-head

The two teams have never faced each other in any format of cricket.

Form guide

Sri Lanka has had a rough start to the tournament and came close to beating Bangladesh in their last match, but they have three losses in their last five T20 games.

Nepal also lacks recent form but may count on their supporters and strong bowling to claim their first win.

Sri Lanka: L L W L W
Nepal: L L L W W

Sri Lanka team news

Pitch and weather conditions might lead Sri Lanka to include an extra seamer, replacing one of their spin-bowling all-rounders.

Squad: Wanindu Hasaranga (captain), 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.

Nepal team news

Despite Sandeep Lamichhane’s recent addition to the squad, Nepal won’t be able to play their star leg-spinner as he is in the West Indies and will join the squad for their last two group games in Saint Vincent.

Squad: Rohit Paudel (captain), Aasif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee, Kushal Bhurtel, Sundeep Jora, Karan KC, Kushal Malla, Pratis GC, Sompal Kami, Anil Sah, Abinash Bohara, Gulsan Jha, Lalit Rajbanshi, Kamal Airee, Sagar Dhakal.