The Much awaited Asia Cup has finally arrived, the streets will be empty, and people will stick to their television sets just to get the glimpse of their favorite players fighting for the glory. The inaugural match will be played between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh giving a perfect kick start to the tournaments. It is a match between the predictable and unpredictable.
Bangladesh has a rich history of producing a major setback in the ICC tournaments. They might have not won a single ICC trophy, but have stopped juggernaut like India, South Africa and Sri Lanka in the recent past from winning the ICC trophy. They are the game spoilers.
Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka head to head
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have faced each other 42 times in one day cricket. Sri Lanka has dismantled Bangladesh 36 times, while the Bengal tigers managed to win only 6 times.
Both the teams have never faced each other at the Dubai International cricket stadium. This is the first time the two subcontinent giants will taste the blood of each other.
Bangladesh Recent Performance
The Bangladesh team is in red hot form. They have reached the Asia cup tournament with a 2-1 series win against West Indies under their belt. They have won the 5 matches out of the last 8 one day internationals played during the year.
Bangladesh Key Players
Bangladesh faces the problem of plenty, they have too many match winners, who could win the game on their own. Tamim Iqbal, the opener holds the key for Bangladesh. He is the leading ODI run scorer for Bangladesh and can demolish any opposition on his day.
The likes of Sakib Al Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza and Mushfiqur Rahim are handy with both bat and ball. Mashrafe Mortaza is the leading ODI wicket taker for his country.
But Bangladesh has a weak link, the key players are suffering from prolong injuries Sakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal are carrying their finger injury in the tournament . Nazmul Hossain is still recovering from the thumb injury he suffered during a training session.
With pain killers and a heavy dose of motivation, hopefully the key players will be fit to play the inaugural match.
Asia Cup 2018: India vs Pakistan Match Preview, Prediction, Expected Playing XI’s
Bangladesh Playing XI
Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Shakib Al Hasan, Liton Das, Ariful Haque, Mominul Haque, Abu Hider, Rubel Hossain, Tamim Iqbal, Nazmul Islam, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mohammad Mithun, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mustafizur Rahman, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Nazmul Hossain
Sri Lanka Recent Performance
The Sri Lankan team is no more a star studded gang ascending on earth to throttle mortal enemies. Post retirement of Kumar Sangakara, Tilakratane Dilshan and Mahela Jayawaradhane , the Sri Lankan team is going through a transition phase. They have played 10 ODI’s this year and enjoy 50% winning ratio.
They have recently lost the South Africa series managing to win only 2 ODI’s out of 5. The shining spot is that Sri Lanka has won the tri series against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe at Dhaka this year.
Sri Lanka Key Players
Even after a decade, Lasith Malinga is still the best bet for Sri Lanka. The old warhorse hasn’t been the brutal force he used to be in his prime, but is still lethal with in cobra Yorkers and slower deliveries. If Sri Lanka has to win the tournament, Lasith Malinga, the big gun has to fire.
Strong Contenders for Cricket Asia Cup 2018
Sri Lanka playing XI
Angelo Mathews (c), Amila Aponso, Dushmantha Chameera, Akila Dananjaya, Niroshan Dickwella, Shehan Jayasuriya, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga, Kusal Mendis, Dilruwan Perera, Kusal Perera, Thisara Perera, Kasun Rajitha, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Upul Tharanga
Playing Conditions
Dubai is widely famous for soaring temperatures, even burning the layers of skin. A bright sunny day is expected. The conditions are hot and humid making the pitch a batsman paradise. A big total is expected on the boards.
