The Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2023 has just started, and Pakistan has already clinched the top slot with a crushing victory against Bangladesh in the opening game. The next game for Bangladesh is against Sri Lanka, a team with which they have recently had a fierce rivalry. However, Sri Lanka has a strong ODI cricket record against the Tigers and has already defeated them in this Asia Cup.
Afghanistan gave Sri Lanka a real scare in their most recent encounter, as they nearly failed to qualify for the Super Four round. They managed to keep their composure and won by three runs. Maheesh Theekshana has performed admirably in Wanindu Hasaranga’s absence. The off-spinner took two wickets and allowed only 19 runs in his eight overs against Bangladesh in the previous match. Additionally, he bowls during powerplay innings and maintains order.
Bangladesh’s spinners haven’t shown much effectiveness in this series, which could damage them in this match. However, we still anticipate a powerful spell from cunning Shakib.
SL vs BAN Team Preview & Squads
Sri Lanka
As a result, Sri Lanka is the only team competing in this Asia Cup to have two wins in a row, one of which came over Bangladesh. Pathum Nissanka, who bats first, has recently been their most reliable batter. In his last 10 games, he has scored 472 runs at an average of 59 and a strike rate of nearly 90 percent.
Another player to consider is Kusal Mendis, who just played an outstanding innings of 92 off 84 balls against Afghanistan. In 13 ODIs this year, the wicket-keeper batsman has scored 388 runs, averaging 43.11.
In this Asia Cup, Matheesha Pathirana has been Sri Lanka’s star bowler. The youthful fast bowler has won over everyone’s admiration for his ability to fool batsmen with his pace changes and deliver reliable yorkers. With an economy rate of 5.64, Pathirana has taken 8 wickets in his last 5 games.
The team’s most productive hitter in recent months has been Shanto, but he will sadly miss the remainder of the tournament owing to an injury. Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim, for example, would need to shoulder more responsibility while he is away.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz is a different hitter on whom the Tigers may rely. With the bat, the all-around spin bowler has recently come into his own. In the match against Afghanistan, Bangladesh used him as the opener, and the gifted youngster delivered by hammering an incredible 112* off 119 balls.
The bowlers from Bangladesh have been excellent, especially their pacers. One of the best fast bowlers in recent years is Taskin Ahmed, who has 12 wickets in his last 6 games at an economy rate of 3.89. His quickness and capacity to draw bounce and movement from the ground will be a challenge for Sri Lanka’s batters.
Bangladesh Squads
Bangladesh
Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Towhid Hridoy, Afif Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mohammad Naim, and Shamim Hossain.
At the R. Premadasa Stadium, the side batting first has won 76 of the 151 One-Day Internationals. As a result, it is likely that in this game, the team that won the toss will prefer to bat first.
Colombo’s weather is predicted to be gloomy with a few thunderstorms, especially in the morning.
The R. Premadasa Stadium has historically produced scores between 250 and 300, making it a somewhat high-scoring venue. On this field, 4.87 runs are scored on each over. The team batting should set a target of roughly 270–280 runs first.
SL vs BAN Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches
Bangladesh has won two of their previous five matches, while Sri Lanka has won three.