New Delhi: Defending champions Sri Lanka will take on minnows Afghanistan in Match 16 of the ICC World T20 on Thursday at Eden the Gardens.


COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

Afghanistan will be brimming with confidence ahead of the match as they have won nine out of their last ten internationals. However, on the other hand, Sri Lanka have been struggling to find their rhythm.


Ahead of the interesting clash, let's have a look at the players who could play a crucial role for their respective teams.


Tillakaratne Dilshan: The opener has to show some consistency up the order. He is among the senior most batsmen in the team and now it's time for him to use his experience and flourish at the biggest stage. He just needs to hang in there at the start and things will fall in place automatically for the opener as he has all the T20 shots under his belt.


Angelo Mathews: Since premier Sri Lankan bowler Lasith Malinga is doubtful for the match, skipper Mathews will have to take some added responsibility to lead his side with examples both with bat and ball. Mathews is a genuine all-rounder and can change the course of the match single-handedly.


Mohammad Shahzad: He is certainly the most dangerous batsman in the Afghanistan team. He is capable of hitting boundaries at will. He has been in good nick and the pocket-sized dynamo should be a batsman to watch out for in the game.


Mohammad Nabi: He has been the most valuable all-rounder for Afghanistan of late. Nabi has contributed well with both bat and ball in the qualifiers as well. As a cricketer he has become matured now. If Afghanistan want to give a tough fight to Sri Lanka in today's tie, they need Nabi to perform.