Bangladesh desperate for slump to end

March 6, 2014
Start time 1400 local (0800 GMT)

The outcome of this match will have no bearing on who contests the Asia Cup final, and so Sri Lanka will use it to fine-tune their preparation for the summit clash against Pakistan. For Bangladesh, it is the last opportunity to win a game in the tournament and go into the World Twenty20 with something other than defeat and disappointment.

Angelo Mathews' side has played three strong games of cricket against Pakistan, India and Afghanistan, but there are areas they would want to improve in. Their opening partnership needs to get bigger more consistently, and Mahela Jayawardene and Dinesh Chandimal haven't had a significant score in the competition.

Bangladesh were ousted from the tournament after losing to Pakistan, despite making their highest ODI score. They posted 326 for 3, with Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque and Imrul Kayes batting impressively, but the bowlers - particularly Shakib Al Hasan and Abdur Razzak - let them down.

The home team's pace attack has also struggled, and though Mathews was reluctant to get drawn into comparing it with Afghanistan's bowling, it is clear Bangladesh need better prepared fast bowlers and more variety in their spin attack.

Form guide

(Completed matches, most recent first)

Bangladesh LLLLL

Sri Lanka WWWWW

Mominul Haque made 60 in the third ODI of the bilateral series against Sri Lanka, and then scored 50 and 51 in his last two Asia Cup innings. He has not been able to convert his starts into hundred and will be expected to solve that problem soon.

Thisara Perera hit an unbeaten 57-ball 80 in the first ODI of the bilateral series against Bangladesh, but has had a quiet time with the bat since. Sri Lanka will want him firing ahead of the final.

Having made five changes to the side for the Pakistan game, Bangladesh could make one or two for the match against Sri Lanka. Shafiul Islam, who was poor again against Pakistan, could make way for left-arm spinner Arafat Sunny.

Bangladesh (possible): 1 Anamul Haque (wk), 2 Imrul Kayes, 3 Mominul Haque, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim (capt), 5 Shakib Al Hasan, 6 Nasir Hossain, 7 Ziaur Rahman, 8 Mahmudullah, 9 Shafiul Islam, 10 Abdur Razzak, 11 Al-Amin Hossain

Sri Lanka could bring back Sachithra Senanayake and rest Lasith Malinga, replacing him with Dhammika Prasad who troubled Bangladesh in his only appearance in the three-match series.

Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Kusal Perera, 2 Lahiru Thirimanne, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (wk), 4 Mahela Jayawardene, 5 Dinesh Chandimal, 6 Angelo Mathews (capt), 7 Chaturanga de Silva/Sachithra Senanayake, 8 Thisara Perera, 9 Ajantha Mendis, 10 Suranga Lakmal, 11 Lasith Malinga/Dhammika Prasad.

The Mirpur surface will remain as placid as it has been throughout the competition. Dew will remain an issue for the team bowling second.

"I don't think Razzak has done anything to have his career ended. A bowler like Shakib got hit for three sixes. Razzak has done well in the last 8-10 years. He has supported all captains in every situation. He tried yorkers, came out as length balls. It could happen to any bowler."
Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim on his most experienced spinner