After disappointing results in the Test and ODI series, Bangladesh will be aiming to bounce back in the three-match T20I series against hosts Sri Lanka, with the first match set to be played on Thursday at 7:30 PM BST at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.
Speaking to the media on the eve of the series opener, Bangladesh T20I skipper Litton Das expressed optimism about a turnaround and emphasized shifting focus to the shortest format of the game.
“T20I is a different format. Tests are different. ODIs are different. We all know how to play T20 cricket, and that’s what I will focus on,” Litton said.
Bangladesh head into this series on the back of successive T20I series defeats against the UAE and Pakistan—both under Litton’s captaincy. Facing a confident Sri Lankan side on their home turf presents another stiff challenge.
“We will definitely try our best. It’s not going to be easy since it’s their home ground, and they are strong at home, but we will give our best,” Litton added.
He also credited Sri Lanka’s bowlers, particularly the spinners, for their ability to influence games with their variations.
“Sri Lanka were better, and that’s why they won games. In T20s, if you play good cricket on the day, you will win. They have a lot of experience playing here, and overall, their bowling is strong with several mystery bowlers,” said the captain.
With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 set to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, Litton acknowledged the importance of this series as a part of their preparation.
“We all know we have a tournament here, and playing against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka is always a challenge. But it will help us ahead of the World Cup as well,” he added.
Pallekele has not been a happy hunting ground for Bangladesh in T20Is—they lost all three games played there previously. Still, Litton remains hopeful after observing the recent pitch conditions during the third ODI.
“The wicket looks good for both sides. If you look at the last match, batters scored runs, and both spinners and pacers got assistance. So we will assess the conditions tomorrow and plan accordingly,” Litton said.
Personally, Litton has endured a rough patch in ODIs, managing only 13 runs in eight innings this year. He was dropped for the final two ODIs after getting out for a duck in the opening match of the Sri Lanka series. The 30-year-old, however, focused on using that time to gear up for the T20s.
“I didn’t play good ODI cricket, and that’s why I was on the bench. During that time, I tried to practice for T20s, and I will try to use that preparation in the games,” said Litton.
The three T20Is will take place on 10, 13 and 16 July respectively.
LND/MSA
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