The 2023 Asia Cup has commenced with a bang, and now it’s time for Group B to showcase an epic clash between two South Asian powerhouses, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh, in pursuit of their first continental crown, will challenge Sri Lanka, the second-most successful team in the tournament’s history, in the opening Group B fixture at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.
Bangladesh’s 17-member squad includes five players – Tawhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib – who were part of the U-19 World Cup-winning team in 2020. Ebadot Hossain was initially named in the squad but was ruled out due to injury, and veteran all-rounder Mahmudullah was again omitted despite attending the preliminary fitness camp.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, had to make changes to their primary squad due to injuries to Dilshan Madhushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Lahiru Kumara. These injuries have disrupted head coach Chris Silverwood’s strategy, and the co-hosts are yet to announce replacements and the final squad.
Recent Performances Bangladesh, after a 2-0 away win over Ireland, suffered a disappointing home defeat against Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series in June 2023. This setback followed a forgettable Asia Cup campaign where they failed to secure a single win in the group stages.
Contrastingly, Sri Lanka enjoyed a triumphant 2022 continental journey, clinching their sixth continental title and first since 2014. They remained unbeaten in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers event in July 2023, convincingly defeating the Netherlands by 128 runs in the final.
Head-to-Head
Despite being considered two of the elite One-Day International sides in the current era, the head-to-head record between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka has been predominantly one-sided. Sri Lanka has secured 40 victories against Bangladesh, who have only managed 10 wins in 51 encounters.
In the most recent Asia Cup, Sri Lanka won a virtual knockout clash, securing a spot in the Super Four. However, Bangladesh triumphed in the last 50-over format Asia Cup face-off, finishing as runners-up. Despite a recent ODI series whitewash in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh will be hoping to draw inspiration from past successes.
Players to Watch
Maheesh Theekshana: With the absence of star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, 23-year-old off-break bowler Maheesh Theekshana will lead Sri Lanka’s spin attack. He was the second-highest wicket-taker in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers, claiming 21 wickets at an average of 12.19 in 8 matches, and completed a hat-trick of 4-wicket hauls in the final against the Netherlands.
Shakib Al Hasan: The Bangladeshi team heavily relies on the veteran all-rounder, who continues to demonstrate remarkable consistency. The 36-year-old was among the top five run-scorers and wicket-takers in the recent Afghanistan series, being the only Bangladeshi bowler to claim at least one wicket in all three fixtures. With a youthful batting lineup, Bangladesh will look to their experienced skipper to provide stability in the middle.
The Stage is Set With injuries affecting both teams and a mix of youth and experience in the squads, the upcoming clash promises to be an exciting affair. Both teams will be eager to start their Asia Cup campaign on a winning note and take a step closer to continental glory.
Predicted XIs
Bangladesh: Liton Das, Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan (c) , Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Nasir Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Mehidy Hasan
Image Source – EnglishJagran
Sri Lanka: Upul Tharanga, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dasun Shanaka (c) , Thisara Perera, Akila Dananjaya, Maheesh Theeksana, Kusal Perera and Nuwan Pradeep
Image Source – HindustanTimes
Prediction:
Given the recent form and performances, Sri Lanka seems to have an upper hand, especially with the home advantage and a more experienced side. However, Bangladesh has been a team that has constantly been improving and has the ability to surprise the strongest of teams. It will be a closely contested match, but Sri Lanka might just edge out Bangladesh in this encounter.
Conclusion:
The upcoming clash between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka promises to be an enthralling encounter. With both teams having both skill and strategy. Sri Lanka, with the home advantage and a more experienced side, might have a slight edge, but Bangladesh, with their never-say-die attitude and recent improvements, are more than capable of pulling off an upset. All in all, it promises to be a cracking game of cricket and one that will surely have fans on the edge of their seats.
