Bangladesh played a big role in dragging the thrill of the ODI series to the last match. If the Mirajs had not won the second match at the Premadasa Stadium, the audience would not have been interested in the final match in Kandy. Similarly, Bangladesh should win today to maintain the excitement of the T20 series. Liton Kumar Das wants it with all his heart. The coaching staff is also praying for a victory.
Because without the team's success, it will not be possible to suppress the internal controversial events. In these turbulent times, coaches also want T20 victories. Their hunger for victory is greater than that of the players. Because if the team fails, Phil Simmons and Mohammad Salahuddin may have to stand in the dock of accountability. It will be difficult for Liton to survive in the national team. The Litons will want to paint themselves in the colors of victory today at the Rangiri Stadium in Dambulla for their own needs.
Bangladesh plays well when their backs are against the wall. Mashrafe-Shakib have a record of winning many matches on the backfoot. They also achieved great success in Sri Lanka in 2017 and 2018. They won in all three formats - ODIs, T20s, and Tests. There is a happy memory of the ODI victory in Dambulla eight years ago. The memory of Tamim Iqbal's century and Taskin Ahmed's hat-trick of wickets is still fresh. Because Bangladesh has not played a match at the Rangiri Stadium since 2017.
To win in Dambulla, the Tigers will have to play all-out cricket. Because like Pallekele, Rangiri has a sporting wicket. If the weather is good, it can be a competitive match. That also depends on the Bangladesh team's batting. Since the Dambulla gallery is low, the wind blows from both sides. Especially the wind blowing from the huge Lake Ibankatua in the northwest will have an impact on the 22nd floor of the stadium. Sri Lankan cricketers are familiar with these conditions, having played domestic and international cricket at this venue. Liton will have to adapt to these small things too.
Although Sri Lankan fielding coach Upul Tharanga says they want to play strong cricket like in the first T20 and secure the series from Dambulla to Colombo. Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons hopes that if they can put up a fight, it will be possible to save the series.