Asia Cup Match Prediction 2023 | Match 2 | BAN vs SL – Will Bangladesh be able to defeat the Defending Champion? | August 31

BAN vs SL Match Analysis

Sri Lanka currently holds the Asia Cup after defeating Pakistan by 23 runs in the final last year. Bangladesh was eliminated from the group stage after losses to Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.

On Thursday afternoon in Pallekele, Bangladesh will face Sri Lanka in the second match of the Asia Cup 2023.

Bangladesh won their most recent ODI but fell short in the series against Afghanistan the previous month. Bangladesh has a bad ODI record versus Sri Lanka and an even worse Asia Cup record. They have only defeated the Lankans twice in the Asia Cup, which will be on the minds of the players. They do, however, have a very skilled set of players under Allan Donald’s guidance.

Sri Lanka is suffering from batting problems, but they can play at home. With both teams aiming to get off to a solid start in this competition, we expect this match to be close. Sri Lanka has impressed in the last 18 months under Chris Silverwood’s guidance. They have a consistent lineup and will bet on themselves to win in Kandy.

BAN vs SL Team Preview & Squads

Bangladesh

Shakib al Hasan will try to put their dismal record against Bangladesh behind them and begin the campaign with a win. He will attempt to lead from the front as the most experienced player on the team. Their opponents have a few injury difficulties, which the Bangladeshi captain will aim to exploit in this match.

Mohammad Naim and Litton Das will be expected to put in solid batting performances as the team seeks a huge partnership. In the middle order, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Towhid Hridoy are in strong form and will seek to steer the innings. This batting lineup is strengthened by Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz who will seek to perform well in the upcoming match.   

Hasan Mahmud and Mustafizur Rahman must make good use of the new ball in this encounter, as the Sri Lankan hitters will come after them hard. Shakib and Mehidy Hasan are the most seasoned bowlers and must use their ability to keep the Lankans at bay. Ebadot Hossain and Shoriful Islam will try to contribute in the supporting roles to help the team win.

Bangladesh Squads

Bangladesh

Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mohammad Naim, Towhid Hridoy, Afif Hossain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Ebadot Hossain.

Sri Lanka

Dasun Shanaka’s team is dealing with injuries ahead of this encounter. At least four players will miss this tournament owing to injuries, which will disrupt the team’s balance. Shanaka and his team, on the other hand, enjoy a home advantage and an excellent record against Bangladesh. The Sri Lankan captain wants his team to be inspired by previous victories and do well in this match.

Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne, who have done well in previous games, will need to get the team off to a good start. In the middle order, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Charith Asalanka will try to form alliances. Shanaka and Dhananjaya de Silva must contribute quickly in the lower middle order as Bangladeshi bowlers will put them to the test.   

As the Bangladeshi openers are in fine form, Kasun Rajitha and Dunith Wellalage must bowl tight lines with the new ball. The absence of Wanindu Hasaranga is a significant setback to the side, and they will need excellent spells from Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana in the middle of the overs. Dhananjaya de Silva and Shanaka must perform admirably in supporting roles.

Sri Lanka Squads