Tigresses eye comeback but weather may spoil WT20I opener against Sri Lanka
Bangladesh will look to clinch a collection win and fine-tune their preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup after they face Sri Lanka within the opening match of the three-game WT20I collection on the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday — though a looming rain risk may disrupt proceedings.
The hosts come into the collection on the again of a 2-1 defeat within the previous WODI collection. Bangladesh had sparked hopes of a maiden collection win over Sri Lanka after taking the opener, but failed to hold that momentum, shedding the ultimate two matches.
Having by no means crushed Sri Lanka in a bilateral collection, Bangladesh now have one other alternative to interrupt that jinx within the shortest format.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have met 13 instances in WT20Is, with Bangladesh profitable simply three matches and Sri Lanka the opposite 10.
However, rain may play spoilsport in as we speak’s match, with a excessive likelihood of showers forecast over the subsequent seven days.
“After we won the first ODI, we had a huge opportunity to take the series. But we didn’t play good cricket in the last two matches. From that perspective, I’d say this is another opportunity for us to make a comeback as a team,” skipper Nigar Sultana Joty informed reporters in Sylhet on Monday.
“Playing at home and with the World Cup ahead, this series is very important for us. These matches are crucial to understand how well prepared we are for the World Cup,” she added.
Joty, who scored 111 runs throughout three ODI innings, additionally addressed criticism of his strike charge, notably within the third match, the place even former teammate Rumana Ahmed questioned his strategy.
“Look, I don’t think I’m the only one who has a bad series. In the second ODI, I tried to stay at the crease because we weren’t able to build partnerships. There was a reason to spend time at the wicket,” Joty defined.
“In the last match, my timing wasn’t right. Still, I wanted to keep batting with the other players. Overall, it wasn’t a good series for me.
“However, I nonetheless have this collection, and in T20 cricket it is all about sustaining a superb strike charge. My intention will probably be to contribute to the group by adapting to the state of affairs and scoring at a greater charge,” she added.
Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu, meanwhile, said the series would serve as their final preparation ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales in June-July.
“The circumstances right here in Sylhet are considerably much like England. This collection is essential for us as a result of we’re not enjoying any cricket earlier than the World Cup. This is our final worldwide project earlier than the match,” Chamari said.
“We are attempting a number of combos and have introduced in two newcomers. Hopefully, we are able to execute our plans on the proper time,” she added, while also expressing hope that the weather would not disrupt play.
Chamari also acknowledged Bangladesh’s progress in recent years.
“They are a superb group. Compared to 6 or seven years in the past, they’ve improved lots. I noticed their efficiency in Rajshahi, particularly in ODI cricket. Hopefully, each groups can play their finest cricket in entrance of the Bangladesh crowd,” she mentioned.
