The 2nd Match of the Super 4 stage of Asia Cup 2023 will be played between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at Colombo on 9th September, 2023. This match is quite crucial for Bangladesh as they have already suffered a defeat in the Super 4 stage and if they lose this one, their chances will be nearly finished in Asia Cup 2023. Following is the preview of Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh today match in the super 4 stage of Asia Cup 2023.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Today Match Preview
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have played a game previously in the Asia Cup 2023 which was won by Sri Lanka. Bangladesh struggled with their batting, while Sri Lanka outplayed them in every department. Sri Lanka also have the home ground advantage here so things look quite tough for Bangladesh.
Bangladesh‘s batting has looked a little off in the Asia Cup 2023. They have been dismissed under 200 twice in the tournament and the conditions of Colombo don’t promise a big score tomorrow either. There is an 80 percent chance of rain in this game and even if the weather clears out, there will still be some clouds that will assist the pacers. Both sides have got good pacers, but Bangladesh’s pacers are realtively in better touch as Sri Lanka are featuring their second choice seamers due to injuries.
Bangladesh have a fairly good chance, but starting as the favorites in this game will surely be the Lankan Lions. Bangladesh will be under a lot of pressure as they have already lost to Sri Lanka once, and they have also lost their first game of the Super 4 stage against Pakistan, so in order to stay alive without ifs and buts, Bangladesh must win this game.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Asia Cup 2023 Playing XI
Sri Lanka expected Playing XI
Sri Lanka are so far undefeated in this event so it is unlilkey that they would disturb their winning combination at all. They have had ample rest and they do not have any injury concerns either.
Probable Lineup: Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (C), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana and Kasun Rajitha.
Bangladesh expected Playing XI
With Hasan Mahmud’s declining form, Bangladesh desperately need Mustafizur Rahman back in the side, if he is fit. They don’t really need any other change in their side.
Probable Lineup: Mohammad Naim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das, Shakib Al Hasan (C), Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Shamim Hossain, Afif Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Head to Head Record
The rivalry over the years has been dominated by Sri Lanka but Bangladesh have shown some fight lately. In Asia Cup ODIs, Sri Lanka have won 12 times out of the 14 encounters between the two sides. Bangladesh have won only won 2. Overall in ODI cricket, Sri Lanka have won 41 out of the 51 encounters between the two sides, while 8 have gone Bangladesh’s way and 2 have ended as NR.
Players to watch-out for
For Bangladesh, Mushfiqur Rahim has done well so far in the event, scoring 102 runs. Mushfiqur Rahim scored a gutsy fifty against Pakistan and showed his experience alongside Shakib-al-Hasan, who also smashed a fifty. Both the senior pros have to bat well as the other batters haven’t shown any fight.
Moreover, with the ball, Taskin Ahmed has been good for Bangladesh. Shoriful and Taskin, both have taken wickets at a good average, but they need more consistency with the ball and maybe, they need to deliver a special performance to dominate other sides.
For Sri Lanka, Nissanka has shown good consistency. Meanwhile, Kusal Mendis also showed great form as he smashed 92 before getting run out unfortunately against Afghanistan. Sri Lanka’s lower order also showed good fight with the bat against Afghanistan and with the bat, Sri Lanka do not have any problems.
The bowling will be an area of concern for Sri Lanka. Rajitha and Pathirana, both leaked a lot of runs in the game against Afghanistan, however they did pick wickets. So it will be interesting to see how the Lankan pacers bowl this time.
