Champions Trophy qualification the only matter up for grabs when Sri Lanka, Bangladesh meet amidst venomous air | Cricket-world-cup News

It may be the infamous ‘Naagin’ der in some eyes, but the hapless position of both teams on the points table and the atmospheric conditions in the city have made the Sri Lanka-Bangladesh match almost an afterthought.The two teams have played some close matches in the recent past and there has been no shortage of needle between them – with former Sri Lanka cricketer Chandika Hathurusingha being the Bangladesh head coach now – but the Champions Trophy qualification is the only matter up for grabs when the teams placed seventh and ninth face off at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday.
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With both teams cancelling one or more of their training sessions to minimise their exposure to the foul air, there was some doubt over whether the fixture would go ahead. But conditions on Sunday afternoon were a bit better with the sun making an appearance, prompting hope that matters won’t be too bad during the game. However, it got hazy again as the evening approached.
“It’s not ideal, but we have no choice,” Hathurusingha said on Sunday. “We have to practice well, but also be wary of the long-term effects. We have a few asthmatic players in our squad, so we have instructed our players to be indoors for as long as possible to ensure no one falls sick. Doctors are keeping a close eye on everyone.”
Hathurusingha was himself seen giving throw-downs to a few of his players with a mask around his face.
Bangladesh cancelled their practice session on Friday, prompting the Sri Lanka team management to ask the International Cricket Council about their plan of action.
“We asked what they were doing with regard to the air quality. They said they have taken some steps, installing some equipment and consulting specials. We are in constant touch with our medical team and the team doctor, and will be guided the ICC. Some of us have been wearing masks,” Sri Lankan team manager Mahinda Halangode said, though hardly any player was masked up as they played a game of impromptu football during their training session.
The result of the fixture may not mean much as far as semifinal qualification in this World Cup is concerned – Bangladesh are already out of contention while Sri Lanka have the remotest mathematical chance – with players’ welfare being uppermost in most minds. However, this match-up has seen some bad blood over the last five years or so with the victorious team often indulging in the hooded snake celebration to mock their opponents.
Bangladesh players and supporters yearn for other sub-continental teams to consider them worthy rivals, but their performances on the big stages have mostly let them down. Of late, the only times they seem to have upset the bigger teams is when little has been at stake.
Lightweight squad
It has been a month since Sri Lanka were at the receiving end of a shellacking at the hands of South Africa at the same venue, which exposed the frailties in their squad. They have not recovered since, beating only the Netherlands and troubled holders England, and are coming into the game on the back of a 302-run annihilation at the hands of India after being packed off for only 55.
It seems a lightweight side and apart from left-armer Dilshan Madhushanka making a name for himself in the World Cup, there’s hardly anyone who has enhanced his reputation in this tournament. Skipper Kusal Mendis, opener Pathum Nissanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama have been among the runs to an extent, without making a winning impact.
Bangladesh began their campaign with a promising win over Afghanan, but while that team proceeded to be a revelation, bringing down one fancied side after another and now having an outside chance of the semifinals, that day in Dharamsala was the last time Bangladesh had any joy in this tournament, losing six matches on the bounce.

Their record won’t put them among the strongest teams, but the expectations and fan following they have is disproportionately high; as are the storylines and controversies surrounding the Bangla Tigers. The Tamim Iqbal-Shakib Al Hasan tiff just before the World Cup and the media circus that always accompanies the squad are unnecessary dractions. Their coach himself indicated that some of his players may not have been mentally up to the task.Most Read
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“It’s all about what’s between the ears. Players need to look into the mirror,” Hathurusingha said when asked whether the high expectations had played a role in their underwhelming performance, especially from their younger players. “Players went into their shells while batting. It’s a big tournament. They need to learn from it.”
Skipper Shakib and Mushfiqur Rahim have been carrying this team for long, but have disappointed in this World Cup. It’s high time Litton Das converts his talent into match-defining performances. Only veteran Mahmudullah has offered resance to an extent.
“Both teams are in a similar situation coming into this match, with Champions Trophy qualification foremost in their minds.” Bangladesh may need to win both their games – they face Australia in their last fixture – to confirm their spot in the ICC tournament to be held in Pakan in 2025.