The Sher-e-Bangla cricket stadium will host the second match of the ongoing Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Test series. After the first match ended in a draw, the BAN vs SL 2nd Test 2022 is expected to be a tense affair. The series will be determined by the outcome of the Mirpur match. Bangladesh have never won a Test series against Sri Lanka at home, therefore this will be a golden opportunity for them. Let’s take a look at the second Test match preview.
2022 Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Second Test: Match Preview
The series’ second match will be played at the SBNCS in Dhaka, with a 10 a.m. start time (Bangladesh Start Time). The Mirpur stadium is known for its sluggish pitch, which helps spinners from the start, especially in the longer version of cricket. One can imagine how difficult a pitch may become for batters on days 4 to 5.
This pitch has seen some memorable encounters, with two of Bangladesh’s biggest Test triumphs happening here. This ground has also seen most of Bangladesh’s Test triumphs. As a result, the Bangladesh team should be optimistic heading into the BAN vs SL second Test 2022.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s top three Test run scorers, Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal, and Shakib Al Hasan are the only players to have scored over 1,000 Test runs at this venue. These players know how to score big on Mirpur’s surfaces, and the good news is that they will all be available for the second Test.
Top five most Test run scorers at SBNCS, Mirpur
Shakib Al Hasan and Taijul Islam will have to shoulder the most of the burden in bowling, as both off-spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Nayeem Hasan will be unavailable due to injury. The good news is that Shakib and Taijul are two of the most prolific wicket-takers at this arena, and they may be a nightmare for the Lankans. Ebadot Hossain and Khaled Ahmed will have to demonstrate some talent and consistency with the ball because Shoriful Islam will not be playing.
Top five most Test wicket-takers at SBNCS, Mirpur
Predicted playing XI
Top Order: Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Middle-Orders: Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das (Wicket-Keeper), Mosaddek Hossain, Lower-Order: Taijul Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain
Sri Lanka
The experienced Angelo Mathews produced a superb knock in the first Test. His 199-run innings aided Sri Lanka’s first-innings total. On the other hand, Dinesh Chandimal had a strong showing in the first Test, playing two crucial knocks in the match. These two players, as well as captain Dimuth Karunaratne, will be crucial for Sri Lanka’s batting order. The Lankan team will be hoping for responsible batting in their second innings, which could be difficult on Mirpur’s surface.
The Pacers Kasun Rajitha and Asitha Fernando did well with the ball in the first Test. Kasun claimed four wickets, while Asitha captured three. The management of the Sri Lankan team will be expecting another strong performance from them in the series decider. On the other hand, spinners had a difficult time in the opening match at Chattogram. They were all cost-effective, but they didn’t obtain enough wickets. Perhaps Bangladesh batters were wary of them. Though, these three spinners may be lethal on SBNCS wicket. Their performance will be crucial to the Sri Lankan campaign.
Predicted Playing XI
Top Order: Dimuth Karunaratne, Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Middle-Orders: Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh Mendis, Lower-Order: Asitha Fernando, Lasith Embuldeniya, Vishwa Fernando
Pitch Report and Weather Forecast
According to weather reports, rain and thunderstorms are forecast for the first two days of the match. On the other hand, the following three days are expected to be bright and suitable for cricket matches. The SBNCS, Mirpur, is great for spinners, particularly in the latter two days. Therefore, there will be a lot of spin bowling during the contest. The toss-winning captain is likely to bat first to put pressure on the opponent.
Bottom Line
Bangladesh have a fantastic opportunity to win a Test series against Sri Lanka for the first time. As a result, Bangladesh should enter the field with the goal of winning the BAN vs SL 2nd Test 2022. They were unable to create a substantial advantage in the first innings of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Chattogram due to their defensive approach. Overall, the hosts have enough strength to defeat the visitors. So, they should be able to win both the match and the series against Sri Lanka if Bangladesh can execute their game plan well on the field.
SOURCE: UNITED NEWS OF BANGLADESH