Asia Cup, SL vs BAN | 3 ‘Key’ Player Battles To Watch Out For in Match 2

image-llxk0pq5Dasun Shanaka having a chat with Sri Lanka head coach Chris Silverwood (AP Photos)

Defending champions Sri Lanka will kick off their Asia Cup 2023 campaign on Thursday (August 31) in a crucial Group B fixture of the competition at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Since Afghanistan are also a part of this group, the loser of this fixture will have a difficult time reaching the Super Four round.

Let us look at which intriguing matchups are in store for spectators as both sides are loaded with well-known players.


SL vs BAN: Three player battles to watch out for

Kusal Mendis vs Mustafizur Rahman

Runs (in ODIs)
Balls
Outs
Dots
Average
Strike Rate
517424425.568.9

While Kusal Mendis strikes at 84.33 in ODIs, having made 2945 runs in 106 matches at an average of 31.32, his strike rate goes down drastically against Bangladesh's left-arm quick Mustafizur Rahman. The Sri Lankan vice-captain has played 44 dots in 74 deliveries, and also lost his wicket twice. Therefore, it would be interesting to see how Mendis' approach will be this time around.

Dinesh Chandimal vs Shakib Al Hasan

Runs (in ODIs)
Balls
Outs
Dots
Average
Strike Rate
6787040-77

Despite the fact that Dinesh Chandimal was not in the greatest form in the past couple of years, having averaged 24.5 in ODIs in 2022, and 27 in 2021, his numbers are quite impressive when it comes against one of the greatest ever of the game, Shakib Al Hasan. This feat may prompt Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to recall Chandimal, who has not played a single ODI since 2023.

Mushfiqur Rahim vs Binura Fernando

Runs (in ODIs)
Balls
Outs
Dots
Average
Strike Rate
5702-71.4

Considering Sri Lanka will be without many of their primary bowling options, including Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, and Lahiru Kumara, Binura Fernando will be one of the hosts' most crucial wicket-taking threats. His performance against Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh's most reliable designated batsman in Tamim Iqbal's absence, will definitely be the one to watch for in the fixture.