Asia Cup moves on to bigger guns now. So far, the games have seen uneven competition between seasoned campaigners and not-so-well-established teams. This weekend brings two marquee games, one of which is the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka clash. While this is nowhere near the stature of Pakistan vs India clash, you can always count on the two teams to bring the game down to the wire. Whoever wins tonight, makes the survival in the group of death easier for themselves. Whoever loses, would need to keep up with the numbers and scenarios.
Bangladesh have won the last three of their five fixtures against Sri Lanka, two of those in their 2-1 series win against them in July. This win was followed up by another against Pakistan, which brought tons of confidence to this young Bangladesh team.
Sri Lanka, unlike Bangladesh, are yet to open their Asia Cup campaign. Their captain Charith Asalanka, considers themselves to be defending champions, having won the previous T20 format Asia Cup in 2022.
Team Overview:
Bangladesh have found a dynamic opening duo in the form of Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon. Both batters have shown some hard-hitting abilities, ensuring that their side gets off to a quick start. However, they couldn’t quite exhibit their prowess against Hong Kong in the opening match, with both not only falling early but eating up more balls. Captain Litton Das said the surface was difficult to support consistent hitting, which is why they took the safe tour to the victory. And while there were concerns it might hurt them later in the group stages, where net run rate will be liquid gold, Towhid Hridoy disagreed saying Bangladesh are only focusing on winning.
Bangladesh’s middle-order might be more volatile than they would like, though they didn’t get chance to get on the field in the first game. Since the previous T20 World Cup, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, and Mahedi Hasan have formed the middle order. However, Shamim and Mahedi, in particular, tend to play a finishing role, which at times leaves the order above them under undue pressure.
Sri Lanka lost to Zimbabwe in Harare last Saturday, though they did well to recover in the following game, it shouldn’t distract from the fact that their batting lineup has some vulnerabilities within. Since the start of this year, Sri Lanka have averaged better only than Zimbabwe and Afghanistan and with the second-worst strike rate among all full-member nations.
Head-to-Head Matches:
In 20 T20I matches, Bangladesh have won 8 matches while Sri Lanka lead with 12 wins.
Weather and Pitch Report:
Abu Dhabi usually is a batting-friendly venue, but on Thursday Bangladesh found it to act opposite of that, with surface favouring the bowlers more. For most part of the game, the run rate stayed behind 8 runs an over. Sri Lanka have already signalled they might slot three frontline seamers.
Prediction:
It’s going to be a close game, and that’s a certainty, but Bangladesh’s current form hints that they might end up as the better side.
Where to Watch:
Pakistan: PTV Sports, Tapmad, Myco
India: Sony Sports Network, Sony Liv app
UAE and MENA: CricLife Max via eLife TV and Switch TV, StarzPlay
Australia: Kayo Sports
Bangladesh: Gazi TV, Toffee, Tapmad
