Photo: Collected
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and elected to bowl first in their opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup against Sri Lanka in Dallas, Texas. The Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium teemed with thousands of Bangladeshi diaspora members, eager to witness their home team compete in the World Cup match.
The rivalry between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka has intensified in recent years, and this match provides both teams with a chance to prove their dominance. Both teams enter the match carrying recent disappointments. Bangladesh suffered a series defeat to the USA, while Sri Lanka endured a heavy loss to South Africa in their World Cup opener.
However, both captains have stated they are focused on the World Cup and are determined to perform well. A win would mean a good chance for Bangladesh to qualify to the next phase of the event, while a defeat would nearly end the chance for Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh opted for a bowling attack with three pacers and two spinners. Taskin Ahmed, who was initially uncertain for the first match due to injury, has been declared fit and included in the playing XI.
Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Litton Das (wk), Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana
Messenger/Disha
