Sri Lanka are having a great time at home. After winning the series against visiting Bangladesh in Tests and ODIs, the host team is now on a mission for the T20Is. The two teams will face each other at 7.30 pm Bangladesh time at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement that all tickets for the first match of the T20 series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have been sold out. In a message to their fans, they also said that no more tickets will be sold for today’s match, so they are requesting that no one come to the ticket counter to collect tickets. It was also informed that ticket holders will be able to enter the stadium from 5 pm local time.
The Tigers have not been performing well in recent times. A good win could be the way out of such a predicament. A great win in the first T20 against the Sri Lankans could be the way for the Tigers to get back into rhythm.
Captain Liton Das also said that they will play their best on the field in the pre-match press conference, ‘The T20 series is where the T20 series is. It’s a different format. We all know how to play in this format, that’s what we will try. We will definitely try (to get back into rhythm). But it won’t be easy. They are the better side in their home conditions. We will try to play our 100% cricket. Let’s see the rest.’
Mohammad Saifuddin is waiting to take the field for the national team after a long 13 months with the Sri Lankan series. Captain Liton Das explained the sudden call-up of this all-rounder to the team, ‘I think Bangladesh has been missing an all-rounder for a long time. Although we are trying to develop Shakib as an all-rounder in that position and he has batted well in a few matches.’
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka feels that the T20 series will not be easy for them. Both teams have the ability to compete. Asalanka said, ‘I hope it will be a competitive series. As I said earlier, the Bangladesh team has many talented cricketers. I hope it will be a good competitive series.’
Do you think of yourself as a favorite? Answering the question, Asalanka said, ‘No, I don’t think like that. They are a very good team in T20. Like us, they are also a young team. I don’t think we are far ahead. It will be a tough series for us. (Talking about the pitch) It looks like the pitch in Pallekele, Kandy. I am expecting more than 180 runs.’
Regardless, Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of this series before it starts. Hasaranga is mainly unable to play in the T20 series due to injury. He got injured while playing in the third ODI. The absence of this experienced all-rounder will definitely hurt the hosts.
Bangladesh has won 6 matches and lost 11 in the T20 format in 17 matches so far. Bangladesh has managed to score more than 200 runs in T20 cricket only seven times. Two of these came against Sri Lanka.
FAQ
When does the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh T20 series start?
The series has started with the first match taking place soon in Kandy.
Where is the first match being played?
The first T20 match is scheduled at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Are tickets still available for the first match?
No, tickets for the first match in Kandy are completely sold out due to high demand.
How many matches are in the T20 series?
The series usually consists of 3 matches, but the exact number should be confirmed by the cricket boards.
How can fans get tickets for the other matches?
Tickets for remaining matches can be purchased online or at authorized outlets, depending on availability.
