Asia Cup 2008 - Super Four - Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
June 30th, 2008Asia Cup 2008, Super Four, Match 3
Monday, 30th June 2008
Sri Lanka v Bangladesh
Back to back 50 over matches isn’t something that players like but it’s a side effect of the run for big money that creates a heavily packed calendar. But Sri Lanka still would like not to relent and field their best side today to seal a final berth. They have been the winners thrice and runners up five times in the previous eight editions of the tournament and in all likeliness will keep the trend going.
Bangladesh would look to give in a spirited performance like they did batting against India. They may have a window of opportunity should the Lankans decide to rest a few key players.
Look out For
Kumar Sangakkara – He comes across as a greedy batsman. He doesn’t leave any opportunity to score runs and will be looking to compile another big score against the slightly weaker test playing nation, Bangladesh.
Sanath Jayasuriya – He turns thirty nine today and would be looking to celebrate with a big innings and a big win which would take Sri Lanka into the finals of the Asia Cup.
Mohammad Ashraful – He will have to play a big innings if Bangladesh are to have any chance of beating Sri Lanka. He is batsman with natural flair and can score quickly.
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Alok Kapali – He batted wonderfully well in the match against India. He also bowls loopy leg spinners which could be difficult to handle if Bangladesh bowl second.
Probable starters:
Sri Lanka: Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara (WK), Mahela Jayawardene (C), Tillakratne Dilshan, Chamara Silva, Chamara Kapugedera, Thilan Thushara, Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralidharan, Ajantha Mendis, Nuwan Kulasekara.
Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Shahriar Nafees, Mohammad Ashraful (C), Raqibul Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (WK), Alok Kapali, Mahmudullah, Farhad Reza, Shahadat Hossain, Mashrafe Mortaza, Abdur Razzak
Verdict: Bangladesh’s only chance to get a win here would be to bat first and score in excess of 275 runs. Even then their bowling might be found wanting. If one of Jayasuriya and Sangakkara get going, they are dead and buried.
What do you say?
Dr. Mohit Goyal © IPL Cricket Forum
http://www.goyalmohit.blogspot.com/
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