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Can Sri Lanka withstand the might of Bangladesh and secure a top-four berth or will Bangladesh build on their win against Afghanistan? Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 2:30pm (AEDT).
Both these Pool A sides have played and beaten Afghanistan, Bangladesh the more impressive in their 105-run victory. Sri Lanka struggled to chase down a total of 232, getting there with 10 balls to spare.
This will be like a home game for Sri Lanka, who have huge support in Melbourne. While it’s unlikely to match the Indian support on Saturday, there will still be a huge gathering of Sri Lankans.
Bangladesh has never played on the MCG. The large ground will test their fielding, and the coliseum effect can be quite overwhelming.
Bangladesh is coached by former Sri Lankan Chandika Hathurusingha. He has good knowledge of Australian conditions, having coached the Sydney Thunder in the BBL, and was involved with New South Wales as an assistant. Together with his inside knowledge of the Sri Lankan players, Hathurusingha will be as important as any of the Bangladesh players.
A question mark has been thrown up over Bangladesh’s preparation with the news that bowler Al-Amin Hossain has been sent home for breaking curfew. What effect this has on team morale remains to be seen.
Bangladesh relies on two all-rounders to lead their team. Shakib Al Hasan has played in the BBL and is important with both bat and ball, while Mahmudullah Riyad bats and provides good off-spin support. Anamul Haque will also need to produce again with the bat. While with the ball Mashrafe Mortaza leads from the front as captain and their fastest bowler.
Sri Lanka’s batting was rescued by Mahela Jayawardene on Sunday. Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara are world-class players but are yet to hit their straps. With the ball Sri Lanka rely on veteran spinner Rangana Herath to keep it tight.
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh met four times in 2014, with Sri Lanka prevailing each time.
Prediction
Sri Lanka to continue their dominance over Bangladesh.
Can Sri Lanka give their Melbourne community something to remember, or will Bangladesh provide the 2015 World Cup another upset?
Join The Roar at 2:30pm for score updates and debate in our live blog.
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