Bangladesh have received the toss and opted to bat first in opposition to Sri Lanka of their first match of the Asia Cup 2023 on Thursday on the Pallekele Worldwide Cricket Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka have an injury-riddled squad with a number of key gamers like all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, pacers Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Madushanka and Lahiru Kumara lacking the Asian occasion.
In the meantime, Bangladesh suffered a large blow as wicketkeeper-batter Liton Das was dominated out of the match.
“Dry wicket, hope to put runs on the board. We have to be at our best because Sri Lanka are very good especially at home. We just have to think about today’s match, have to be better than them in 100 overs. Three spinners and three seamers,” Shakib Al Hasan mentioned after the toss.
Sri Lanka’s skipper Dasun Shanaka additionally talked after the toss and mentioned: “It is a good toss to lose with rain around the corner. Our main players are injured but we have all areas covered. I expect turn here because LPL was played here. Asia Cup here is very much excited because fans are behind us. Six batters, two allrounders, and three bowlers. Pathirana and Wellalage is playing,”
Bangladesh are led by the skilled Shakib Al Hasan and have veterans like Mushfiqur Rahim, Mustafizur Rahman, and Mehedi Hassan.
The Sri Lankan crew is led by Dasun Shanaka and have skilled personnel like Kusal Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana and Dhanajaya de Silva.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana
Bangladesh: Mohammad Naim, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan(c), Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman
