Sri Lanka opted to bat first against Bangladesh in the warm-up match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on September 30, 2023, at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, India.
Sri Lanka got off to a good start, with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis putting on a 104-run partnership for the first wicket. However, they lost their way in the middle overs, and were eventually bowled out for 278 in the 49th over.
Bangladesh chased down the target with ease, winning the match by 8 wickets.
Sri Lanka’s batting performance
Sri Lanka’s batting performance was a mixed bag in the warm-up match against Bangladesh. They got off to a good start, but they lost their way in the middle overs.
Nissanka was the top scorer for Sri Lanka with 68 runs off 52 balls. He played some very aggressive strokes, and he looked very dangerous. Mendis also played well, scoring 55 runs off 65 balls.
However, Sri Lanka lost their way in the middle overs. They lost four wickets in quick succession, and they were reduced to 180-5 in the 33rd over.
Dhananjaya de Silva and Charith Asalanka tried to rebuild the innings, but they were both dismissed in quick succession. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 278 in the 49th over.
Nissanka’s knock
Nissanka’s knock was the highlight of Sri Lanka’s batting performance. He played a very aggressive innings, and he looked very dangerous.
Nissanka scored 68 runs off 52 balls, with 10 fours and 3 sixes. He hit some very impressive shots, and he was able to keep the Bangladesh bowlers on the back foot.
Nissanka’s knock was a very good sign for Sri Lanka. He is one of the most talented batsmen in the team, and he will be a key player for them in the World Cup.
Sri Lanka’s middle-order collapse
Sri Lanka’s middle-order collapse was their biggest disappointment in the warm-up match against Bangladesh. They lost four wickets in quick succession, and they were reduced to 180-5 in the 33rd over.
The middle-order collapse was due to a combination of factors. The batsmen were not able to rotate the strike, and they were also guilty of playing some poor shots.
Sri Lanka’s middle-order collapse is a concern for the team ahead of the World Cup. They need their middle-order to fire if they want to go deep into the tournament.
Bangladesh’s bowling performance
Bangladesh’s bowling performance was very good in the warm-up match against Sri Lanka. They were able to take wickets at regular intervals, and they were able to restrict Sri Lanka to a total of 278.
Taskin Ahmed was the pick of the Bangladesh bowlers. He took three wickets for 45 runs in his 10 overs. He was well supported by Mustafizur Rahman, who took two wickets for 30 runs in his 10 overs.
Bangladesh’s bowling performance was a very good sign for the team. They showed that they are capable of taking wickets in all conditions, and they will be looking to continue this form in the World Cup.
Taskin Ahmed’s performance
Taskin Ahmed’s performance was the highlight of Bangladesh’s bowling performance. He took three wickets for 45 runs in his 10 overs.
Taskin Ahmed bowled with a lot of pace and variation, and he was able to trouble the Sri Lankan batsmen. He was able to get the ball to swing both ways, and he was also able to bowl good bouncers.
Taskin Ahmed’s performance is a very good sign for Bangladesh. He is one of the most talented bowlers in the team, and he will be a key player for them in the World Cup.
Conclusion:
The warm-up match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh was a very good preparation for both teams ahead of the World Cup. Sri Lanka got off to a good start, but they lost their way in the middle overs. Bangladesh chased down the target with ease. Sri Lanka’s middle-order collapse is a concern for the team ahead of the World Cup.