- SL vs BAN match prediction: BAN to win
- SL vs BAN toss prediction: BAN to win the toss and bat first
The much-awaited Asia Cup is finally here and the second match of the tournament will see the teams from Group B taking the field. Bangladesh will lock horns against Sri Lanka as both teams look to start their campaign with a win in Pallekele. Read below our SL vs BAN match prediction.
Also Read: Bangladesh’s Asia Cup squad: playing XI, combinations and more
Bangladesh have played very little cricket coming into this tournament and instead, have witnessed a kind of turmoil back home. Their now former skipper Tamim Iqbal announced retirement hastily only to take it back 24 hours later after a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and then the left-handed veteran stepped down from his captaincy position. Tamim stands ruled out of the Asia Cup with Shakib Al Hasan taking over the reins.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, last played ODIs in July during the ODI World Cup Qualifiers and were then busy hosting Pakistan for a Test series before the players took part in the Lanka Premier League (LPL). Injury concerns to key players have also left them in trouble ahead of the Asia Cup and subsequently the World Cup.
Date & time: August 31, 3 PM IST
Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele
Contents
SL vs BAN match preview
Bangladesh
Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal has been ruled out of the tournament while Litton Das has not boarded the flight to Sri Lanka as he was down with fever. Moreover, Ebadot Hossain is also out of the Asia Cup. However, the team enjoys a blend of experience and exuberance of youth in their squad.
Shakib and Mushfiqur Rahim continue to be the pillar while the rest of the team revolves around them in both batting and bowling.
Video Courtesy: Star Sports pic.twitter.com/FOVqVNtQMJ
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) August 28, 2023
Bangladesh Possible 11: Mohammad Naim, Litton Das/Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan (C), Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed/Hasan Mahmud
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have also been troubled by injuries. Their bowling attack lacks penetration with Dilshan Madhushanka and Dushmantha Chameera getting ruled out of the Asia Cup. Lahiru Kumara is already unavailable while star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is also unlikely at least for the group stage.
Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando who reportedly looked set to return have tested positive for COVID-19.
Sri Lanka Playing 11: Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama (WK), Dasun Shanaka (C), Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Pramod Madhushan, Matheesha Pathirana/Dunith Wellalage
Pitch and Expected Weather Conditions
Weather is not great in Pallekele towards the end of August it seems. It is set to be cloudy and humid with a stray thunderstorm on August 31 with around 44% chance of rain. If it rains, and remains cloudy, the decision at the toss might change from bat first to bowl first. If it remains clear, the surface is expected to be helping spinners and batting first will be a wise decision to make.
SL vs BAN Dream11 prediction
Our SL vs BAN Dream11 predictions for this match:
- Wicket keepers: Mushfiqur Rahim
- Batters: Najmul Hossain Shanto, Kusal Mendis, Dimuth Karunaratne
- All-rounders: Shakib Al Hasan, Dhananjaya de Silva, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Dasun Shanaka
- Bowlers: Maheesh Theekshana, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rehman
- Recommended captain: Shakib Al Hasan
- Recommended vice-captain: Taskin Ahmed
Rahim is the best pick in your Fantasy team given the amount of experience he brings to the team. Apart from that, with cloudy conditions set to welcome both sides, the likes of Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur should be there in the team. Shakib and Dhananjaya de Silva are the must-picks alongside Mehidy thanks to their all-round abilities.
SL vs BAN match prediction: BAN to win
Both sides are ravaged by injuries but even then, Bangladesh look a much better and consistent side in the ODI format. Moreover, Sri Lanka will miss Hasaranga’s services which will dent their chances a lot. Hence, we predict Bangladesh to win this match against Sri Lanka.
SL vs BAN toss prediction: BAN to win the toss and bat first
While conditions certainly play a role, Bangladesh are likely to win the toss and bat first if there is no rain in the horizon.
Man of the match prediction: Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan is certain to make an impact with his all-round skills. He will definitely click with either bat or ball in the match and hence, he can become the Player of the Match.
SL vs BAN betting odds
- Sri Lanka odds: 1.48
- Bangladesh odds: 2.66
