Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will play the opening Group B match of Asia Cup 2023 today (Thursday) at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Both teams have bad news. Sri Lanka will enter the Asian event with an injury-riddled roster. issing all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, pacers Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Madushanka, and Lahiru Kumara. However, wicketkeeper-batter Liton Das was ruled out on Wednesday due to a viral fever. So, he could not go to Sri Lanka for Bangladesh’s opening match.
Asia Cup 2023: Bangladesh against Sri Lanka likely starting XI
Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Mehedi Hassan lead Bangladesh. Dasun Shanaka leads the Sri Lankan team, which includes veteran players like Kusal Mendis, Perera, Theekshana, and de Silva. Also, the early-game surface at Pallekele favours hitters over bowlers. Take advantage of this and hitters will hope to grab an edge before the ball ages and favours spinners.
It must be noted that the Asia Cup 2023 is being held in Pakistan, who are the hosts, and Sri Lanka between August 30 and September 17.
Plus, all the matches of the Asia Cup will not be played in Pakistan because the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to send their team to Pakistan due to security concerns.
Also, four matches will be played in Pakistan, while nine, including the final, will be played in Sri Lanka.
Likely Lineups
Bangladesh: Afif Hossain, Mohammad Naim Sheikh, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Towhid Hridoy. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mehedi Hassan.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva. Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Matheesha Pathirana.
