Lanka, B'desh to clash in Nidahas Trophy semis

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will lock horns in a virtual semi-final encounter in the Nidahas Twenty20 tri-series at Colombo on Friday.

Ahead of the do or die clash, Bangladesh's batting line-up has been bolstered by the return of their regular skipper Shakib Al Hasan after an injury lay-off.

Shakib had missed the previous matches of the series due to a finger injury and Mahmudullah lead the Bangladesh side in his absence.

Sri Lanka will continue to play without Dinesh Chandimal, their regular skipper, who is serving a two-match suspension.

Bowling all-rounder Thisara Perera will continue to lead the charge of the side in in Chandimal's absence.

 

The hosts' batting line-up will be served Kusal Mendis' fine form, with the likes of Kusal Perera, Upul Tharanga, Thisara Perera and Dasun Shanaka.

The two teams have two points apiece with a victory each in the tri-series.

Sri Lanka had defeated India in the series opener while Bangladesh successfully chased down a a 215-run target given by the hosts.

The winner of the match will play India in the final on Sunday. In case, the second semi-final gets washed away, Sri Lanka will proceed to the final, owing to a better net run-rate.

Sri Lanka (probable): Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera (wk), Upul Tharanga, Thisara Perera (c), Dasun Shanaka, Jeevan Mendis, Akila Dananjaya, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Pradeep

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