Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh: Date, Live Stream, TV Info, Cricket World Cup Preview

Sri Lanka have made a poor start to their World Cup campaign thus far, losing heavily to co-hosts New Zealand ahead of a nervy victory over minnows Afghanistan.

They face a Bangladesh side on Thursday in Melbourne at the MCG who are difficult to work out having claimed a point against Australia—after their match was washed out—following their own, relatively comfortable, win over the Afghans.

Sri Lanka are definite favourites for the Pool A clash given the huge quality and experience in their side, although some of their key men have failed to fire thus far in New Zealand and Australia.

Read on for a full preview ahead of an intriguing clash, as well as scheduling, television and live streaming details.

Date: Thursday, Feb. 26

Time: 2:30 p.m. local time, 3:30 a.m. GMT 

TV Info: Sky Sports 2 

Live Stream: Sky Go

Preview

Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Mahela Jayawardene's 19th ODI century was the key knock for Sri Lanka as they edged Afghanistan on Sunday by four wickets, with just 10 balls remaining.

It was a much closer encounter than many predicted, and came as a result of poor batting—openers Lahiru Thirimanne and Tillakaratne Dilshan both went for ducks—and more inconsistent bowling from a strong attack.

Sri Lanka's bowlers conceded 331 to the Kiwis in the tournament opener as they lost by 98 runs, and they need to tighten things up with the ball if they are to beat Bangladesh in Melbourne.

Key man Lasith Malinga was poor against the Black Caps—conceding 84 runs for no wickets in his 10 overs—but looks to be improving after striking three times against the Afghans, per cricket writer Peter Miller:

But skipper Angelo Mathews insists Sri Lanka need to improve ahead of the Bangladesh clash, with England and Australia to follow before a final group game against Scotland, per BBC Sport: "We really need to raise our standards to compete against the top teams." 

The Sri Lankan team is overflowing with talent; Dilshan, Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara all have the ability to score heavily and contribute match-winning knocks.

Mathews is a fine finisher—as he showed with 44 against Afghanistan—and Malinga, Suranga Lakmal and Rangana Herath provide the core of a fine bowling attack.

At their best they are capable of beating any team in the world, but they have yet to show their top form in Australia and New Zealand. They will likely need to up their game against Bangladesh. 

However, Bangladesh themselves have yet to really face top opposition with their match against the Aussies having been a complete washout in Brisbane.

Their opener against Afghanistan was eventually won convincingly by 105 runs, but only Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan showed anything like decent form with the bat after Bangladesh were reduced to 119-4.

They come into the Sri Lanka encounter having sent Al-Amin Hossain home for breach of curfew—he has been replaced by seamer Shafiul Islam per BBC Sport—perhaps a mistake given his record against Sri Lanka, per Opta's Phil Oliver:

Bangladesh have an opportunity against Sri Lanka to put themselves in a fine position to qualify for the first knockout round from Pool A; they currently sit in third spot.

The point they got from the no result against the Aussies is a huge boost given they were expected to lose that match.

They could take advantage of such fortune with a win against Sri Lanka, but their bowling needs to be tight.

Sri Lanka look vulnerable at present, but they have the opportunity to finally get going in the competition against Bangladesh at the MCG.

The Sri Lankans have the superior quality but not the superior form, thus an upset could be on the cards if Bangladesh can restrict their opponents with the ball on Thursday.