Sri Lanka to focus on returning Bangladesh skipper for knockout clash

Reuters: Sri Lanka is only thinking about how it was going to tackle Sakhib’s (Al-Hassan) four overs and then how it was going to restrict him when he is batting, Sri Lankan cricket team coach Chandika Hathurusingha stated yesterday ahead of the knockout T-20 clash of the tri-nation series against Bangladesh in Colombo.

Former one-day international captain for Bangladesh and current skipper for the T20 team, Shakib Al-Hassan, has joined his squad for the crucial match on Friday (March 16) after recovering from a finger injury. An all-rounder Hassan’s return to the Bangladesh side gives an additional advantage to the team, added Hathurusingha.

However, Bangladesh’s Interim Coach, Courtney Walsh has clarified that Hassan will have to be assessed for fitness like any other returning player and will only be fielded if he is match ready.

Sri Lanka will be looking for a payoff for their last match where Bangladesh had thrashed the hosts in a spectacularly thrilling chase. 

Bangladesh, who faced their second loss of the tri-series to table toppers India on Wednesday (14 March), will face the hosts, in the sixth do or die encounter on Friday (16 March). The winner of which will head to face the Men in Blue in the finals to be held on Sunday (18 March).