Sri Lanka, the reigning Asia Cup champions from the T20 version in 2022, have confronted their justifiable share of hurdles within the lead-up to this match. Accidents to gamers equivalent to Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Kumara, and Dilshan Madhushanka, together with Kusal Perera’s restoration from a COVID-19 an infection, have strained their lineup.
Moreover, their efficiency in ODIs this 12 months has been lacklustre, beginning with a 0-Three defeat towards India and a subsequent 0-2 loss to New Zealand. Whereas they discovered success towards Afghanistan and carried out nicely within the ICC Qualifiers, Sri Lanka acknowledge the necessity to step up towards prime opponents.
Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, and Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka’s main run-scorers this 12 months, will likely be pivotal of their quest to problem Bangladesh. Captain Dasun Shanaka’s contribution with the bat may even be essential. The bowling division will depend on spinner Maheesh Theekshana and pacer Kasun Rajitha to fill the void left by injured bowlers.
On the opposite facet, Bangladesh face related hurdles, lacking gamers like Tamim Iqbal, Ebadot Hossain, and Litton Das as a consequence of accidents. They too have struggled in ODIs this 12 months, experiencing defeats towards England and Afghanistan. A victory over Eire provided some solace, however the workforce acknowledges the necessity for constant performances towards stronger opponents.
With Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Najmul Shanto, and Towhid Hridoy delivering notable batting performances, Bangladesh possesses the potential to shine. Nevertheless, their bowling unit, led by Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, and Taskin Ahmed, should step as much as face formidable rivals like England and India.
As rain predictions loom, each groups are acutely aware of the position internet run charge may play in figuring out their destiny within the match. A win of their opening match will likely be essential as they brace for difficult encounters towards Afghanistan in Group B. In a match the place the stakes are excessive and the competitors fierce, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh goal to beat their obstacles and set their Asia Cup campaigns on the trail to success.
Squads:
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanaka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Janith Perera, Kusal Mendis (vc), Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Matheesha Pathirana, Kasun Rajitha, Dushan Hemantha, Binura Fernando, Pramod Madushan.
Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan (Captain), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain Dhrubo, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Naim Sheikh, Shamim Hossain, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Anamul Haque Bijoy.
Match begins at 3pm IST.
