Asia Cup, SL vs BAN | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

Sri Lankan players celebrate a wicket in Zimbabwe during WC Qualifiers (Twitter)

Following the opening game in Multan, the Asia Cup 2023 will continue with match number two where co-hosts Sri Lanka will take on Bangladesh on August 31. The contest also marks the opening Group B fixture of the tournament.

SL vs BAN: Team Previews

Sri Lanka

A high-flying Sri Lankan unit will enter Asia Cup 2023 still fresh from their 10-match unbeaten streak. They spent the entire ICC World Cup 2023 Qualifiers in Zimbabwe without a defeat from their eight games, and also defeated Afghanistan twice in succession in the preceding home series against them.

Sri Lanka’s only drawback remains the number of injuries they suffered during the recently-concluded LPL 2023 season. They will turn up against Bangladesh without the services of ace all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, alongside pace trio Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Madushanka and Lahiru Kumara.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh, on the other hand, were recently jolted by Afghanistan to register a rare ODI series defeat at home. Losing the first two matches to their guests, the hosts fought back in the third to avoid a 3-0 whitewash. Back in May this year, Bangladesh did manage an overseas series victory by defeating the Irishmen 2-0 in a three-match series in Ireland.

In their head-to-head record, Bangladesh have lost six of their previous 10 meetings against Sri Lanka.

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SL vs BAN: Match Details & Live Streaming

SL vs BAN: Kandy Pitch Report

As one can expect from Sri Lankan surfaces, the conditions at Kandy’s Pallekele Stadium tends to favour spinners. Moreover, spin bowlers have accounted for 54 percent of the fallen wickets here in the last 10 ODI matches. The average first innings total at the venue across all 55 ODIs has been a competitive 247. Considering the overall record here, the captain winning the toss will likely opt to field first.

SL vs BAN: Probable Playing 11

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana and Kasun Rajitha.

Bangladesh: Mohammad Naim, Anamul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Mustafizur Rahman.

SL vs BAN: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

SL vs BAN: Winner Prediction

Sri Lanka, owing to their home advantage and recent form, will start out as favourites to defeat Bangladesh.

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