T20I World Cup preparations remain the top priority as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh gear up to clash in the first T20I match of their three-match series on Monday at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. This series holds immense significance, especially with the T20I World Cup around the corner.

The series is expected to be extremely competitive with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh entering it with their formidable squads, boasting a set of proficient players. 

For Sri Lanka, they will be teeming with confidence after recently putting Afghanistan down by 2-1 in the three-match T20I series. This series will also presents them with an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and combinations ahead of the T20I World Cup. 

With the likes of Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Angelo Matthews, Sri Lanka will look to assert their dominance and build momentum leading up to the World Cup.

On the other hand, Bangladesh will be eager to make a statement on their home turf. Bangladesh have shown remarkable progress in their performance over the years and possess a formidable lineup with the likes of Litton Das, Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Anamul Haque. 

Head-to-head

Both teams have played 13 matches against each other in the T20I format with Sri Lanka holding an upper edge with 9 victories against Bangladesh having four wins. 

Bangladesh Probable XI: Litton Das, Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Anamul Haque, Towhid Hridoy, Soumya Sarkar, Mahedi Hasan, Mahmudullah, Taijul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

Sri Lanka Probable XI: Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Matthews, Charith Asalanka (c), Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka, Mahesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Binura Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana