Taskin Ahmed and Litton Das for Bangladesh (Source: AFP)
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are all set to take on each other in a crucial group B encounter of the Asia Cup 2025. The Lankans have won the toss and have decided to chase, and would like to start off their campaign with a win.
Litton Das Hands Shoriful Islam His First Match Of Asia Cup 2025
The Bangla Tigers, on the other hand, would take a big step towards Super Four if they win this game. They have made one change for this big match, with Shoriful Islam coming in for experienced Taskin Ahmed. It is a bold move from Litton Das and Bangladesh team management as Taskin is one of their most experienced pacer and can run through the batting line-up on his day.
However, the bowler has an injury-prone body, and Bangladesh management has stated it quite a few times that they would have to manage his workload cleverly. Thus, after playing the first match, Bangladesh probably want to give him rest for the encounter against Afghanistan.
Bangladesh Prioritise Workload Management
Also, he was a tad expensive against Hong Kong despite taking two wickets, and so Bangladesh have opted to play Shoriful Islam. The left-arm seamer is a quality bowler in the shortest format and can swing the new ball and nail yorkers at the death too.
Therefore, Shoriful Islam is an able replacement for Taskin Ahmed, who can be lethal against Sri Lanka. Taskin can also stay fresh for the next game, and thus Bangladesh are adopting a strategy of rotating their pacers.
Bangladesh recently beat Sri Lanka in the T20I series, and thus it would be interesting to see how things pan out in this Asia Cup clash. The 2022 Asia Cup champions have the likes of Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga back in the XI, and they would be itching to deliver a strong performance after their captain's decision at the toss.
