Match Preview | M#10 | Sri Lanka v Bangladesh | SL v BAN | U19 T20 WORLD CUP
Written By: Ritwika Dhar
Date: 16-01-2023
Picture Courtesy: Cricket Queens
M#10 of the ICC U19 T20 World Cup will feature an all-subcontinental rivalry. Bangladesh will be buoyant after a historic win against Australia. On the other hand, Sri Lanka triumphed over USA in a low-scoring thriller.
VENUE – Willowmoore Park B, Benoni | TIME – 10:00 local/13:30 IST
On the opening day, both the games played at this ground were low scoring, with the highest total of 100. The bowlers were dominant but it was a good pitch to bat on once batters settled down.
SRI LANKA: Sri Lanka played their first game at Willowmoore Park B. So, they have a prior experience of the pitch and conditions. Sri Lanka were top-notch with their bowling and fielding in the first game and will be looking to continue their form.
PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Dewmi Vihanga: Off-spinner Dewmi Vihanga has been Sri Lanka's leading wicket-taker. She was the pick of the SL bowlers with 7 wickets in the warm-ups, including a hattrick. She continued that sublime form into the opening game and picked up 3/11.
Vidushika Perera: The left-arm orthodox spinner is another performer to watch out for. She picked up 2 wickets against the USA and will play a vital role in taking wickets and containing the runs.
Vishmi Gunaratne: The Sri Lanka senior team opener, captain Vishmi Gunaratne has led her by example. She anchored the Sri Lankan innings with her 34 off 40 and took them home. She will be the most important batter for Sri Lanka in the entire WC, not just against Bangladesh.
BANGLADESH: Bangladesh will be high on confidence after beating the mighty Australians for the first time in any ICC event, men or women. The big difference between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will be the threatening pace duo of Marufa Akter and Disha Biswas, combined with the powerful stroke-making trio of Afia Prottasha, Dilara Akter and Shorna Akter.
PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR –
Marufa Akter: Right-arm pacer Marufa Akter is already one of the best pacers coming through Bangladesh cricket. She nips the ball back in sharply at a decent pace. In her short international career, she has already picked up wickets of Sophie Devine, Lea Tahuhu and another player who is in this tournament – Georgia Plimmer. And she left a strong impression against the Australia U-19 team as well by dismissing two of their batters.
Disha Biswas: Captain Disha Biswas is also another pacer to watch out for in this tournament. She picked up both the dangerous Aussie openers, Kate Pelle and Paris Bowdler, in her 1st two overs in the last match.
Shorna Akter: Shorna Akter is already making headlines with her attacking finishing abilities. It won’t be a surprise if we see her again in South Africa next month, representing the senior side at the T20WC. She played an important hand of 23 off 18, including a humongous six over mid-wicket, against Australia and ensured a memorable victory for Bangladesh.