Asia Cup 2023 | SL vs BAN, Match 2 - Top Captain and Vice-captain Picks 

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

image-llwr5ml6Afif Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be key player for Bangladesh in this match (Source: Twitter)

The action in Asia Cup 2023 will shift from Pakistan to Sri Lanka for the second match of the tournament. In the second match of Asia Cup 2023, Sri Lanka (SL) will be taking on Bangladesh (BAN) at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele, Sri Lanka. The match is scheduled for Thursday, 31st August at 3:00 PM IST. So it is the 'Bangla Tigers' against the 'Sri Lankan Lions' for the second game but ahead of the game, here is a look at the top captain or vice-captain choices for the fantasy contests of the match. 

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SL vs BAN, Match 2: Ground Analysis

The pitch at the Palleke International Stadium is a typical Sri Lankan strip. A slow track with quite a bit of help for the spinners, Pallekele will be rewarding for the batters, who are ready to spend some time and grind themselves out. Typically, the wicket has favoured team batting second, and hence the team winning the toss might look to chase down a target. 

SL vs BAN, Match 2: Toss Factor

Scenario: Sri Lanka Wins the Toss

If Dasun Shanaka wins the toss, we might witness Sri Lanka fielding first. They will look to use their spinners to the fullest effect and then chase down the target set by Bangladesh under the light, when the ball is expected to come better onto the bat. 

Scenario: Bangladesh Wins the Toss

Both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have a similar bowling set-up with the spinners being their prime weapons. So, with Bangladesh winning the toss, we might see them walking the same path as Sri Lanka. The Tigers will also try to bowl first and restrict Sri Lanka to a moderate total and then chase it down in the better batting conditions. 

Note: Sri Lanka have a better pace bowling unit than Bangladesh and will have a better chance of winning the game even if they are forced to bat first.


SL vs BAN, Match 2: Top Captain and Vice-captain Choices

Scenario: Sri Lanka Bats First

Mehidy Hasan Miraz

image-llwr6u2qMehidy Hasan Miraz will be a key all-rounder for Bangladesh (Source: Twitter)

While Sri Lanka bats first, Mehidy Hasan Miraz's spin bowling will come in handy for Bangladesh. Also, Miraz thrives under pressure and will be an asset of the team if Bangladesh have to chase a large total. So, he will be a pretty good pick as the captain or the vice-captain of the match. 

Pathum Nissanka

image-llwr7j7xSri Lanak will depend on Pathum Nissanka for a solid start (Source: Twitter)

The Sri Lankan opener has been in decent touch in the recent times. Although, he has not done anything significant in the last few matches, Nissanka is a stable batter and a good player of spin. This makes Nissanka a really good choice as the captain or the vice-captain of the match. 


Scenario: Bangladesh Bats First

Maheesh Theekshana

image-llwrr7gwIn Wanindu Hasaranga's absence Maheesh Theekshana will play a key role for Sri Lankan bowling (Source: Twitter)

Maheesh Theekshana will become pretty important to Sri Lanka's plans in absence of Wanindu Hasaranga. Theekshana can be an efficient bowler in the dry conditions, containing runs and also picking up wickets. However, he has not been in the best wicket-taking form in the recent times, this might turn out to be his day.

Shakib Al Hasan

image-llwr95tnShakib will be very valuable as an all-rounder with all his experience for Bangladesh (Source: Twitter)

Shakib Al Hasan is the most experienced player in the Bangladesh squad. He will be important for the team with both his trades. The team will require his skill and experience to handle the lethal spin department of Sri Lanka and also his effective bowling while defending the target. If Bangladesh bats first, Shakib will be a great choice as the captain or the vice-captain of the match. 


SL vs BAN, Match 2: Big Risk, Big Return Choices

Dasun Shanaka

image-llwr9yrrDasun Shanaka has the ability to change the complexion of a match with either the bat or the ball (Source: Twitter)

The Sri Lankan skipper thrives under pressure. Shanaka has an uncanny knack of bailing his team out from difficult situations with both the bat and the ball. But with him you take a big risk as he is not a thoroughly consistent performer. So, Shanaka will be a risky yet a worthy and differential choice as the captain or the vice-captain of the match. 

Afif Hossain

Afif Hossain is a stable batter and is also handy spin bowler. On a slowish track, Hossain becomes a key cog in both the disciplines. Afif's ability to pick up points in both innings of the game makes him a great choice as the captain or the vice-captain of the match.