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Neither of these two nations have covered themselves in glory recently from a cricketing perspective and this serves as a must-win encounter for both teams in Grand Prairie.
DATE & TIME: Friday 7th June, 2024: USA (WST) – 5:30pm / USA (CST) – 7:30pm / USA (EST) – 8:30pm / Saturday 8th June, 2024: UK – 1:30am / India – 6:00am / South Africa – 2:30am / Pakistan – 5:30am / Australia – 10:30am / Bangladesh – 6:30am
VENUE: Grand Prairie Stadium, Grand Prairie, Texas, USA
WEATHER: Extremely hot conditions with bright sunshine and temperatures well above 30c.
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: USA – Willow TV / West Indies – ESPN Caribbean / UK – Sky Sports / South Africa – SuperSport / Pakistan – PTV Sports & TEN Sports / India – Star Sports / Bangladesh – Disney Star
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: USA – Willow TV website / West Indies – ESPN Play Caribbean app / UK – Sky Go / South Africa – SuperSport app / Pakistan – Myco & Tamasha / India – Disney+Hotstar / Bangladesh – Disney+Hotstar / Australia – Amazon Prime Video
SRI LANKA FORM: STRONG RESPONSE NEEDED FOLLOWING SOUTH AFRICA EMBARRASSMENT IN NEW YORK
One match in and the pressure has already been piled onto Sri Lanka after they were bowled out for a pitiful 77 despite winning the toss and batting first against South Africa, which was never going to be enough against the Proteas, who won by six wickets eventually, making it consecutive T20i defeats for Sri Lanka.
LAST FIVE: LLWWL
BANGLADESH FORM: ON THE BACK OF USA SERIES SHOCK, CAN THE TIGERS REDEEM THEMSELVES AT THE T20 WORLD CUP
After a desperately poor 50-over ICC Cricket World Cup campaign in India this past fall, Bangladesh head into this latest tournament with more questions than answers regarding their side after falling victim to a series defeat at the hands of an associate nation, losing deservedly to tournament hosts United States by two games to one.
LAST FIVE: WLLLW
SRI LANKA BETTING ANALYSIS
When assessing those players worthy of investment within the Sri Lankan line-up, Wanindu Hasaranga stands out. The all-rounder took two wickets against South Africa and when considering his batting as well, Hasaranga offers multiple betting avenues to explore. Markets such as the ‘Team Top Bowler’ and ‘Batter Match Runs’ all appeal but with his mystery spin, the move may be to back Hasaranga to take 2+ wickets via the ‘Bowler Milestones’ market.
After not firing against South Africa, the Sri Lankan top order have a point to prove in this game and it would be no surprise if we saw a positive reaction from them. The opening partnership of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis will want to set the tone and thus warrant considering for investment to put on over 23.5 runs for the first wicket.
BANGLADESH BETTING ANALYSIS
A big worry for Bangladesh may be that it takes them time to embed themselves into this T20 World Cup, with them starting so late. This could lead to the Tigers struggling initially with the bat and a shrewd move would be to back Sri Lanka accumulating a higher opening partnership than that of Bangladesh.
After a poor performance across their series with United States, all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will be wanting to remind everyone of his quality both with bat and ball. Like Hasaranga, Shakib offers value across multiple markets due to his all-rounder status. But it’s the batting perhaps where he is most important and it’s worth backing him to record 20+ runs across this contest.
SRI LANKA VS BANGLADESH EXPERT PREDICTION
Bangladesh come into the ICC T20 World Cup on the back of becoming the first international side to lose 100 T20i fixtures, just to stick the knife in following that disastrous USA series defeat. Expectations are low from their point of view and Sri Lanka must see this as a golden opportunity to bounce back with immediate effect.
Sri Lanka can take heart from their bowling performance against South Africa, despite faltering with the bat and they at least have blocks in-which to build from. It’s hard to see their batters flatlining for a second match running and backing them to edge out the Tigers has to be favoured.
SRI LANKA VS BANGLADESH TOP TIP: SRI LANKA TO WIN