Two matches in World T20 today

COLOMBO: Two matches will be played in the World Twenty20 gala today where New Zealand will take on Bangladesh in their opening Group D match while the other will be played between Afghanistan and England of Group A, Geo News reported. The match between New Zealand and Bangladesh will be played at Pallekele at 3 pm according to Pakistan Standard Time while the Group A match between Afghanistan and England will be played in Colombo at 7 pm. New Zealand’s build up to the event has been far from ideal as three of their key players, including inspirational former skipper Daniel Vettori and pacer Tim Southee, have been laid low by gastroenteritis. Bangladesh, on the other hand, are a sprightly mix which lost one and won one practice game heading into the big event. Most of the team’s players are in their early 20s and what could work to their advantage is the comfort of the playing in home-like conditions. The likes of Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan and skipper Mushfiqur Rahim hold the key to their batting fortunes while Mashrafe Mortaza and Abdur Razzak will be leading the bowling department.