Two South Asian nations are set to resume their heated cricket rivalry with a three-match Twenty20 series as they eye the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, not India and Pakistan, will play the first match of the T20 series in Sylhet, Bangladesh, on Monday, less than three months before cricket's biggest event of the year.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said on Sunday he wants his team to use the series to refine the format ahead of the World Cup in June.
The series marks the start of Sri Lanka's month-long tour of Bangladesh, which also includes three one-day internationals and two Tests.
Shanto said it was essential to “play as a team,” noting that last year they achieved big wins when “everyone 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 a three-match series against New Zealand.
Shanto said he wanted to keep the momentum going ahead of the World Cup, hosted this year by the United States and the West Indies.
“Last year we did well in the T20s,” he told reporters.
“It is very important that we play eight or 11 games before going to the World Cup.
“If we take these matches… and decide how we want to play in the World Cup, then it will be easy to plan.”
The World Cup is also a key focus for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood said he expected a “very competitive series between two good teams”.
“Obviously, we are now in the preparation for what is an important competition in 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.”
Inauguration of the trophy 🏆 | T20i Series
Dutch-Bangla Bank Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka #BCB | #Cricket | #BANvSL pic.twitter.com/9or37uvkhE— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) March 3, 2024
The return of the 'Nagin dance' rivalry
The teams have developed a very close rivalry in recent years, and every time they meet, there is no shortage of provocative words on the field and banners in the stands.
The poisonous celebrations in the countryside, which began with the “Nagin dance” in 2018, are also almost a permanent fixture.
The last time the two teams met was in the 50-over World Cup, when Bangladesh won by three wickets, but not without controversial scenes on the ground.
Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews became the first cricketer to be sent off for 'time out' in an international match for failing to take guard and declare himself ready to face the player within the stipulated time of two minutes from the dismissal of the last batsman.
Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan appealed a time-limit dismissal, which was upheld by the on-field umpire.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are in Group D of the World Cup, along with South Africa, Nepal and the Netherlands.
The second and third T20 matches will take place on March 6 and 9, both also in Sylhet.
Sri Lanka, who arrived in Bangladesh on Thursday, will also play three one-day internationals and two Tests during the month-long tour.
Head-to-head record
Bangladesh have never defeated Sri Lanka in a Twenty20 series. Both teams have met 13 times and Sri Lanka leads with nine wins to Bangladesh's three.
Team News: Bangladesh
Bangladesh have recalled wicketkeeper-batsman Jaker Ali, replacing injured spinner Aliss Al Islam.
Non-spinner Aliss suffered a finger injury while playing for Comilla Victorians in the just-concluded Bangladesh Premier League.
Bangladesh team: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Litton Das, Anamul Haque, Mohammad Naim, Towhid Hridoy, Soumya Sarkar, Mahedi Hasan, Mahmudullah Riyad, Taijul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Jaker 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 suffers from a respiratory infection and will be replaced by Niroshan Dickwella.
Sri Lanka Team: Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga (captain), Charith Asalanka, Akila Dananjaya, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Binura Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Untilhara, Jeffrey Vandersay
Team updates
Kusal Janith Perera, included in the T20I squad, will not take part in the series as he is suffering from a respiratory infection.
Perera did not join the team, which left for Bangladesh yesterday.
The Cricket Selection Committee has named Niroshan Dickwella… pic.twitter.com/kXUBzxmv6N– Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) March 1, 2024
