Sri Lanka is on the verge of creating cricket history, as a victory against Bangladesh in the upcoming Asia Cup Super Four match would grant them the second-longest winning streak in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Currently, Australia holds the record with 21 consecutive wins, while Sri Lanka is tied with Pakistan and South Africa at 12.
Sri Lanka has displayed remarkable resilience in challenging situations, and their understanding of game dynamics and playing conditions has proven to be a decisive factor. This was evident in their group-stage match against Afghanistan, where they emerged victorious despite a tough fight from the opposition.
On the other hand, Bangladesh’s performances have been inconsistent. They initially lost to Sri Lanka but made an impressive comeback against Afghanistan. However, they were outperformed by Pakistan in their last match. Captain Shakib Al Hasan has described their batting as “hot and cold,” highlighting the team’s inconsistency.
Key players to keep an eye on:
- Dimuth Karunaratne has been enjoying a stellar ODI year, accumulating 514 runs at an average of 51.40. His partnership with Pathum Nissanka has been highly productive, with the duo scoring 812 runs together since June.
- For Bangladesh, Mushfiqur Rahim has been in scintillating form. After a below-par performance in 2022, he has bounced back, averaging 57.25 in his last 10 innings.
Pitch and weather conditions: The R Premadasa Stadium is renowned for its spin-friendly pitches, although it tends to have a higher average first-innings score in day-night ODIs compared to Pallekele. Rain may play a role, with a 68% chance of showers predicted.
Details of the Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh Super Four match:
- Date and time: September 9 at 3 PM (India time)
- Venue: R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Live broadcast: Tune into the Star Sports Network to watch the match live.
- Digital streaming: Disney+ Hotstar offers free live streaming for those who prefer the digital experience.
