Asia Cup: Bangladesh opt to bat first against Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka have an injury-riddled squad with several key players like all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, pacers Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Madushanka and Lahiru Kumara missing the Asian event.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh suffered a massive blow as wicketkeeper-batter Liton Das was ruled out of the tournament.

“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 said after the toss.

Sri Lanka’s skipper Dasun Shanaka also talked after the toss and said: “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 experienced Shakib Al Hasan and have veterans like Mushfiqur Rahim, Mustafizur Rahman, and Mehedi Hassan.

The Sri Lankan team is led by Dasun Shanaka and have experienced 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