In preparation for the Twenty20 (T20) World Cup, scheduled from October 3 to 20, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will face off in match 2 of the warm-up series at the ICC Academy Ground, Dubai. The game commences at 7:30 PM IST on the 28th of September 2024.
Squads:
Sri Lanka – Chamari Athapaththu (C), Anushka Sanjeewani, Harshitha Madhavi, Nilakshika de Silva, Inoka Ranaweera, Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari, Sachini Nisansala, Vishmi Gunaratne, Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Shashini Gimhani, Ama Kanchana
Bangladesh – Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Jahanara Alam, Dilara Akter, Taj Nehar, Shathi Rani, Disha Biswas
Players to watch out:
Harshitha Madhavi
The 26-year-old top-order batter, from 61 T20I innings, has amassed 1463 runs at an average of 31.12 and registered the highest of 86*. Harshitha has made incredible progress in her role since the past year, averaging her best of 60.14 in 2023 and a healthy 40.17 this year thus far. With three consecutive fifties in her recent outings, she can be banked upon for the runs.
Inoshi Priyadharshani
The 37-year-old right-arm off-spinner, from 32 T20Is, has bagged 36 wickets, including the best of 4/10, maintaining an economy rate of 5.86. Inoshi is among Sri Lanka’s leading wicket-takers this year, and though she hasn’t had much success of late, bagging 6 wickets from 7 outings, it is hoped she finds consistency with the ball, leading the wickets tally.
Murshida Khatun
The 25-year-old opening batter, from 48 T20I innings, has accumulated 910 runs and registered the highest of 80. Murshida averages 35.00 in familiar United Arab Emirates conditions, and with notable consistency, she has time and again stepped up with important runs, including consecutive fifties in her recent campaign. She can be relied upon to lead the scoring.
Rabeya Khan
The 19-year-old leg-spinner, from 27 T20I innings, has claimed 31 wickets, including the best of 4/8, averaging 15.29 and maintaining an economy rate of 5.15. Rabeya produced another 4-fer in her most recent campaign, while only finishing with 5 wickets from 4 outings; however, she has had a successful year thus far. She can be handy with the bat and can be counted on for the goods.
Pitch:
The ICC Academy Ground provides a good deck to bat on, and it is expected to be no different for this game, with an average score in the 140s. The wicket will also offer enough assistance for bowlers, especially spinners, who can change the course of the game.
Weather:
The conditions in Dubai are forecasted to be pleasant for the game, with clear skies overhead and a minimal chance of rain. The temperature will be around 33°C, with moderate winds and 63% humidity.
Fantasy playing XI:
Nigar Sultana Joty, Harshitha Madhavi, Murshida Khatun, Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu, Kavisha Dilhari, Fahima Khatun, Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Inoka Ranaweera
Match details:
Date – September 28, 2024
Time – 7:30 PM IST
Venue – ICC Academy Ground, Dubai
Broadcast – Access live scores on the ICC match portal.
