The tournament will also be contested by Bangladesh where each team will play each other twice to decide the finalists. Upul Tharanga, another opener, is likely to fill up the number three spot as he did during the two-match T20 series against Bangladesh. Sri Lanka will rely, too, on the all-round abilities of Thisara Perera and Dasun Shanaka, players who are tailor-made for the shorter version, given their ability to clear the ropes at will. This will give Sri Lanka a chance to continue the momentum and intensity they displayed in Bangladesh into the Tri-series and put a smile on the faces of dejected home fans. Bangladesh on the other hand, have not been in great form after losing the Tri-Nation series, Test series and T20I series to Sri Lanka but the return of skipper Shakib-al-Hasan will definitely bolster their chances.

Source: Sunday Times March 05, 2018 06:22 UTC