Asia Cup 2023: SL vs BAN Preview – The rivalry resumes in injury-marred setting

The Asia Cup 2023 is right around the corner, the marquee tournament is all set to begin on August 30. The tournament will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and Pakistan and match 2 of the competition will feature a clash between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.

Both sides are two solid sides in the competition and will be keen on getting off to a positive start to the competition. Both teams will be coming into the game on the back of wins in their previous ODIs. As the Asia Cup kicks off, both sides will look to clinch an early win and register their first points of the season.

Pitch Conditions:

The surface at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is one preferred by the batters. With little to offer for the pacers, the batters will look to dominate the game throughout. As the pitch dries up, a little assistance will be offered to the spinners in the late stages. Opting to bowl first could be the ideal decision.

Venue details: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium

Last ODI match at the venue: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, 2022, 3rd ODI | Result: Sri Lanka won by four wickets.

Probable playing XI for Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka clash:

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka recently announced their squad for the Asia Cup and many star players missed out due to injury. However, it could be interesting to see how the side fares with a depleted squad.

Probable XI: 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

Bangladesh

Led by Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh will avoid making major changes to their lineup and could go with a unit that has worked for them in the recent past.

Probable XI: Afif Hossain, Naim Sheikh, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Towid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mahedi Hasan