Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will face off in the opening match of the Asia Cup 2023 on Thursday, August 31st at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. Both teams are coming into the tournament on the back of mixed results in recent matches.
Sri Lanka recently won the ODI series against West Indies 2-1, but they lost the T20I series 2-1. Bangladesh, on the other hand, lost the ODI series against India 2-1, but they won the T20I series 2-1.
Here is a look at the strengths and weaknesses of both teams:
Sri Lanka
- Strengths: Sri Lanka have a strong batting line-up led by Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, and Dhananjaya de Silva. They also have a good bowling attack led by Lasith Malinga and Wanindu Hasaranga.
- Weaknesses: Sri Lanka's bowling attack can be inconsistent at times. They also lack a reliable wicket-taker in the middle overs.
Bangladesh
- Strengths: Bangladesh have a well-balanced team with a good mix of batting and bowling. They are also a very experienced side, having played together for many years.
- Weaknesses: Bangladesh's batting can be brittle at times. They also lack a world-class batsman who can consistently score big runs.
Prediction
The match is likely to be a close one, but Sri Lanka are the favorites to win. They have a better batting line-up and a more experienced bowling attack. However, Bangladesh cannot be underestimated, and they will be looking to upset the favorites.
Squads
Sri Lanka
- Kusal Mendis (captain)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Charith Asalanka
- Dhananjaya de Silva
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Dasun Shanaka
- Dinesh Chandimal (wicketkeeper)
- Chamika Karunaratne
- Akila Dananjaya
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Lasith Malinga
- Nuwan Pradeep
Bangladesh
- Tamim Iqbal (captain)
- Liton Das (wicketkeeper)
- Mohammad Naim
- Shakib Al Hasan
- Mushfiqur Rahim
- Mahmudullah
- Afif Hossain
- Mohammad Saifuddin
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Taskin Ahmed
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Shoriful Islam
Key Players
Sri Lanka
- Kusal Mendis: Mendis is one of the most destructive batsmen in world cricket. He is capable of scoring runs quickly and easily, and he is a major threat to any bowling attack.
- Charith Asalanka: Asalanka is another young batsman who has been in good form in recent months. He is a technically sound batsman who can score runs in all conditions.
- Lasith Malinga: Malinga is one of the greatest bowlers in the history of ODI cricket. He is still a very effective bowler, and he will be a key figure for Sri Lanka in this tournament.
Bangladesh
- Tamim Iqbal: Iqbal is the leading run-scorer for Bangladesh in ODI cricket. He is a very experienced batsman who is capable of scoring big runs.
- Shakib Al Hasan: Shakib is one of the best all-rounders in the world. He is a brilliant batsman and bowler, and he will be a key player for Bangladesh in this tournament.
- Mustafizur Rahman: Mustafizur is one of the most exciting bowlers in world cricket. He is a very talented bowler who can swing the ball both ways.
Conclusion
The match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is likely to be a close one. Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, and it is difficult to predict who will win. However, Sri Lanka are the favorites, and they will be looking to start their Asia Cup campaign with a win.