Cricket
Preview of IND vs SL ODI in Asia Cup 2023
India will face Sri Lanka in the fourth match of the Super Four Round on September 12, 2023, at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The IND vs SL match will start at 3:30 pm Bangladesh time. India will join the match without a rest day as their previous match against Pakistan shifted to reserve day on September 11.
Preview of India vs Sri Lanka ODI Match in the 2023 Asia Cup
Rain has had a significant impact on the Asia Cup, particularly affecting the Indian cricket team. India had managed to complete only one full game, which was interrupted by rain when they faced Nepal. Their first match against Pakistan was abandoned entirely due to rain, although they did have the opportunity to bat. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India secured an impressive 10-wicket victory against Nepal in their second game. However, their highly anticipated India vs Pakistan Super Four match encountered multiple interruptions due to rain. And the match has shifted to reserve day.
On Monday, India resumed their innings at 147-2 in the 50-over game. This interruption came after rain abruptly halted their innings, following Pakistan's choice to bowl first in Colombo.
Read more: India clinch historic victory against Pakistan by a staggering 228-run margin
Virat Kohli, at eight runs, and KL Rahul, at 17 runs, were at the crease when the rain started, causing the players to leave the field. The ground staff made hardworking efforts to prepare the field for a potential restart after the showers stopped. Despite three inspections by the umpires signaled resuming the match, it was ultimately the rain that had the final say.
Captain Rohit Sharma, with a score of 56, and opening batsman Shubman Gill, who contributed 58 runs, provided India with an excellent start, establishing a challenging partnership of 121 runs from 100 balls, which already put Pakistan under pressure.
In contrast, Sri Lanka successfully completed their first Super Four match against Bangladesh with a win and is now filled with confidence as they prepare to face India. Sri Lanka lost the toss and went to bat first in their last Super Four match against Bangladesh. They scored 257 runs, losing 9 wickets. Bangladesh scored 236 runs from 48.1 overs. Hence, Sri Lanka won by 21 runs.
In the group stage, Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh and Afghanistan. However, among the three matches in this Asia Cup, Sri Lanka faced a tough time against Afghanistan. But they won the match by two runs. Despite being weaker than India, the three wins in the Asia Cup will surely give them enough confidence to give a good fight against India.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: India ODI Squad Analysis
Probable Playing XI for India
Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
Probable Playing XI for Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, and Matheesha Pathirana.
IND Vs SL Head to Head ODI Matches So Far
In head-to-head encounters, India has a substantial advantage over Sri Lanka, with a lead of 39 more victories. In one-day internationals, India and Sri Lanka have met on 165 occasions. Out of these, India emerged victorious 96 times, while they suffered defeat in 57 matches. Additionally, 11 games concluded without a result, and one game ended in a tie.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Warm-up Schedule: Full fixture list, match timings and venues
Key Indian Players to Watch
Shubman Gill
This rising star in Team India has gained acclaim for his explosive batting skills. And he has proven himself whenever he gets a chance. In the last match against Pakistan, he scored 58 runs from 52 balls with a 111.54 strike rate. In addition to this performance, this year, Shubman Gill showcased his talent by scoring an impressive total of 885 runs in 15 matches, with a remarkable average of 68.07. Apparently, he is well-known for his ability to deliver match-winning performances.
Rohit Sharma
Although Rohit is having a bit of time in his career, his last performance against Pakistan was incredible. His 56 runs from 49 balls at 114.29 strike rate helped India to score a quick hundred. Rohit Sharma's ODI career is marked by an impressive record of 9,978 runs in 247 matches, which includes an extraordinary 30 centuries and three double centuries. In addition to his exceptional batting skills, he also contributes valuable leadership skills, with the aim of steering India towards championship success.
Jasprit Bumrah
India's bowling strength significantly depends on Jasprit Bumrah, who leads their pace attack and is widely recognized for his ability to give a breakthrough when needed. As he returns to the squad, India will surely be able to put some pressure on Lankan batters. Bumrah has an impressive track record, having taken 121 wickets in 72 innings, with his best bowling performance being 6/19. His unique skill of delivering crucial overs at the right moment in the innings makes him an invaluable asset for the Indian cricket team.
Read more: Novak Djokovic wins the US Open for his 24th Grand Slam title by beating Daniil Medvedev
Key Sri Lankan Players to Watch
Matheesha Pathirana
Matheesha took 7 wickets in this Asia Cup in just three matches. So, he can definitely contribute in the next match. However, he couldn’t do well against the Afghans. Overall, Matheesha Pathirana played 7 ODI matches so far in his career and took 12 wickets. The young star has enough potential to give his best against India.
Sadeera Samarawickrama
Sadeera has been doing well in this Asia Cup, as he scored 150 runs, with the highest score of 93 runs against Bangladesh in the last match. Overall, he played 20 ODIs for Sri Lanka and scored 550 runs. Although he has yet to score any century, Sadeera has a good strike rate of 92.12.
Maheesh Theekshana
Another young star, Maheesh Theekshana, is a valuable asset for Sri Lanka in Asia Cup 2023. He took six wickets in the last three matches. However, he got five wickets in his two appearances against Bangladesh in this Asia Cup. Overall, he has played 25 innings for Sri Lanka and got 42 wickets with 4/25 best bowling performance.
Final Words
After considering the head to head records and recent performance, India has a clean, competitive edge. Moreover, India whitewashed Sri Lanka in the last series in January 2023. So, if the weather remains okay, India has a great chance to win the IND vs SL Super Four Round game in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023.
Read more: Predictions: Who will win Asia Cup 2023?
Preview of PAK vs IND ODI in Asia Cup 2023 (September 10)
Cricket fans are waiting for an electrifying showdown as Pakistan faces off against India in the third match of the Asia Cup 2023 Super Four stage on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at 3:30 PM Bangladesh time. The stage is set at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. Both teams are riding high on their recent impressive victories and are eager to replicate their exceptional performances in the upcoming game.
Preview of Pakistan vs India ODI in Asia Cup 2023
This is the second game for Pakistan in the Super Four round and the first game for India. Previously, Pakistan faced Bangladesh in their first Super Four round match. Pakistan bowled out Bangladesh for 193 runs with more than 11 overs to spare at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Pakistan won by 7 wickets after crossing this run with 63 balls to spare. Imam ul Haque and Mohammad Rizwan scored fifty. Before the Super Four Match, Pakistan got a big win against Nepal in the group stage. Pakistan scored 342 runs from 6 wickets, whereas Nepal was all out for 104 runs in 23.4 overs.
India, on the other hand, smashed Nepal in the group-stage match. After batting first at Pallekele, Nepal was all out for 230 runs in 49 overs. After rain, India reached the target of 145 runs in 23 overs with 17 balls to spare on the DLS method.
Read more: Asia Cup 2023 Fixtures: Team List, Schedule, and Venues
There are no changes in the Pakistan squad, but the Indian Squad has two changes. After a four-month absence from the field, KL Rahul is set to rejoin India's ODI squad. While Ishan Kishan has been a dynamic force in recent matches, making the most of every opportunity, it's KL Rahul who has earned the trust of the selectors and the team management.
During a recent press conference, India's captain, Rohit Sharma, mentioned the prospect of having both Rahul and Kishan in the playing eleven, but it seems unlikely to materialize. The lead-up to the World Cup could become a head-to-head battle between Rahul and Kishan. The upcoming Sunday fixture against Pakistan may serve as Rahul's first opportunity to demonstrate his fitness and form.
Following his absence from the game against Nepal due to the birth of his first child, Bumrah has now reunited with the team for the Super Four round. He is set to make a comeback to the playing eleven alongside Rahul. However, it appears that there may not be a place for both Mohammed Shami and Kishan in the lineup.
Read more: Bangladesh's Fixtures for ICC World Cup 2023
Probable Playing XI for Pakistan
Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (capt), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf.
Probable Playing XI for India
Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma (capt), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
PAK Vs IND Head to Head ODI Matches So Far
India and Pakistan have a long-standing cricket rivalry that has produced some intense and memorable matches over the years. When it comes to their head-to-head ODI records, India has had the upper hand. Out of the 133 ODI matches played between the two teams, India has emerged victorious in 55 matches, while Pakistan has won 73 matches. Five matches had no result, including the last Asia Cup 2023 match. Pakistan’s dominance in the ODI format against India is evident, and their strong performances have contributed to their success in this rivalry.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Warm-up Schedule: Full fixture list, match timings and venues
Pakistani Key Players to Watch
Fakhar Zaman
Fakhar Zaman, one of the team's opening batsmen, possesses the potential to be a game-changer if he hits his pace. Zaman has a strong track record against India and has been in impressive form of late. In 2023, he scored 613 runs from 14 matches with a 51.08 average, displaying his consistency, and his strike rate stands at approximately 88.84, indicating his aggressive and fast-paced style of play.
Babar Azam
Although Pakistan couldn’t bat against India in the last match, Babar Azam showed his aggressiveness against Nepal. He scored 151 runs from 131 balls, which made him one of the top scorers in this tournament. So, the captain himself will certainly be eager to give his best against the ultimate rivalry.
Shaheen Afridi
Shaheen Afridi has the potential to be the standout bowler for his team in the forthcoming game against India. Having already secured seven wickets in three matches during the Asia Cup 2023, he ranks among the top wicket-takers. Afridi will surely be eager to maintain his impressive form when facing India.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: India ODI Squad Analysis
Indian Key Players to Watch
Virat Kohli
Star Indian batsman Virat Kohli has the potential to emerge as the standout performer for his team in the upcoming match against Pakistan. Kohli had a disappointing outing in the third group stage match against Pakistan and didn't have an opportunity to showcase his batting skills against Nepal. Therefore, if he gets a chance to bat against their arch-rivals, Kohli could become a crucial force for India. He has been in excellent form this year scoring a total of 431 runs in 12 ODIs.
Shubman Gill
Team India's rising star has garnered recognition for his explosive batting abilities. He made his debut in India's fourth ODI match of the series against New Zealand on January 31, 2019. In 2023, Shubman Gill displayed his prowess by scoring a remarkable 827 runs in 14 matches, boasting an incredible average of 68.91. This right-handed top-order batsman is renowned for his composure and his knack for delivering match-winning performances.
Mohammad Siraj
Mohammad Siraj, India's rising fast-bowling talent, has showcased his exceptional skills on the cricket field. Born in 1994, this right-arm speedster made his ODI debut against Australia in January 2019. In the ODIs, Mohammad Siraj has impressively secured 46 wickets in just 26 matches, all while maintaining an outstanding economy rate of 4.86.
Read more: Bangladesh concede second defeat to Sri Lanka in Asia Cup
Final Words
The matches between these two cricketing giants are always highly anticipated and fiercely contested, making it one of the most exciting rivalries in the world of cricket. With number one ranking in ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings, Pakistan is having the best time. On the other hand, India is also getting the pace. But compared to Pakistan, India is lagging behind. Indian top order will surely face problems getting fast scores against the Pakistani speed starts such as Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf.
There is no doubt that the PAK vs IND ODI match in Asia Cup 2023 will be highly competitive, but Pakistan has a great chance to emerge as the winner. However, there is a high chance of rain during the match, and a reserve day has been appointed if the match gets washed out.
Read more: Predictions: Who will win Asia Cup 2023?
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Live Streaming Asia Cup 2023: Where and How to watch live streaming, Probable Playing 11
Sri Lanka will face Bangladesh in their Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday, September 9. Sri Lanka topped Group B with four points, while Bangladesh finished second with two points after upsetting Afghanistan in the final group stage game on Tuesday.
Bangladesh have already played 1 game in the Super 4 round and they tasted defeat in that game. Shakib Al Hasan and co. suffered a 7-wicket defeat at the hands of Pakistan on 6th September 2023.
Head-to-Head Records
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have faced each other in 52 ODI matches. Out of these 52 games, Sri Lanka have won 41, whereas Bangladesh have come out victorious on nine occasions. Two matches had no results.
Read more: Asia Cup 2023: Six Players in Bangladesh ODI Squad to Watch
Where and How to watch Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka livestream Asia Cup 2023 for free
Here is the list of live streaming and broadcasting details in other countries:
Pakistan: PTV Sports and Ten Sports
Bangladesh: Gazi TV, T- Sports and Star Sports-1
United Kingdom: TNT Sports app
Australia: Fox Sports and FOXTel app
South Africa: SuperSport
SRI vs BAN live streaming will take place on Disney+ Hotstar for free in India.
Read more: Predictions: Who will win Asia Cup 2023?
Asia Cup Cricket will be telecast live on Toffee
Toffee, the digital entertainment platform of Banglalink, has acquired the rights to live stream the Asia Cup 2023.
Where can watch the live stream of BAN vs SL Asia Cup 2023 match in USA?
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Asia Cup 2023 match will be streamed live on Willow TV. Live streaming will also be available on ESPN+ and Disney Bundle.
Read more: Preview of Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka ODI in Asia Cup 2023
How to watch Asia Cup 2023 online for free?
Viewers can witness the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh match online for free on the Hotstar App mobile version.
When will the BAN vs SL, Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s match take place?
The Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will take place on Saturday, September 9 from 3:00 PM IST onwards.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Warm-up Schedule: Full fixture list, match timings and venues
Where will the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s match take place?
The Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will take place at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Probable Playing 11
Sri Lanka Playing XI
Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha/Matheesha Pathirana
Bangladesh Playing XI
Litton Das, Naim Sheikh, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mahedi Hasan
When the two sides had met in the group-stage round in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, Sri Lanka had emerged out victorious in the game.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023: India ODI Squad Analysis
BCB president unaware of Litton Das' Asia Cup inclusion
In a surprising turn of events, Bangladesh opener Litton Das is reportedly set to join the Asia Cup squad, according to sources within the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
However, BCB President Nazmul Hasan has expressed his apparent lack of knowledge regarding Litton's inclusion in the Asia Cup roster.
Read : Bangladesh’s placement in Asia Cup Super Four confirmed?
During a media interaction on Monday, Nazmul responded, "Is he joining the Asia Cup? I've no idea. I've talked to the captain, coach, and selectors, but nobody told me!"
A source within the BCB has confirmed that Litton Das is scheduled to board a flight at 9:30 pm, with his destination being Lahore via Dubai, where Bangladesh is slated to compete in their first Super Four match.
Read : Asia Cup: Tigers crush Afghanistan to book Super 4 slot
Initially, Litton was meant to travel with the team to Sri Lanka. However, a bout of fever raised doubts about his availability for the Asia Cup, prompting the BCB to make arrangements for a replacement.
Subsequently, Litton's recovery from the illness has paved the way for his potential inclusion in the squad.
Read : Preview of Bangladesh vs Afghanistan ODI in Asia Cup 2023
Bangladesh's campaign in the Asia Cup began with a defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka. Nonetheless, they made a strong comeback in their second match, defeating Afghanistan by a convincing margin of 89 runs, thereby securing their spot in the Super Four stage.
Bangladesh’s placement in Asia Cup Super Four confirmed?
While the math may not yet guarantee Bangladesh's spot in the Asia Cup Super Four, a closer look at the current group standings and net run-rate suggests that Bangladesh has positioned themselves favorably for the Super Four.
Bangladesh is placed in Group B of the Asia Cup, alongside Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. As of today, Bangladesh has played two matches, accumulating two points with one win and one defeat.
Read: Asia Cup: Tigers crush Afghanistan to book Super 4 slot
In contrast, both Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have played just one match each. Sri Lanka clinched victory in their encounter with Bangladesh, while Afghanistan faced defeat in their sole match against Bangladesh.
The pivotal match in this group is the upcoming clash between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. Should Afghanistan emerge victorious in this encounter, every team in Group B would stand with an equal two points each. In this scenario, the teams that secure a berth in the Super Four will be determined by their respective net run rates.
At present, Sri Lanka boasts a run rate of +0.951, Bangladesh follows with +0.373, and Afghanistan lags behind with a run rate of -1.780. This implies that a mere win against Sri Lanka won't secure Afghanistan a place in the Super Four; they will need a significant victory that can outshine Bangladesh's run rate.
Read: Mehidy, Shanto smash centuries putting Afghans to the sword
The pressing question then becomes: By what margin must Afghanistan defeat Sri Lanka to ensure their place in the Super Four?
The answer to this query hinges on various factors, including the number of runs they score and the number of overs they utilize, of course, along with a win over Sri Lanka.
Read: Bangladesh faces do-or-die battle against Afghanistan
However, should Sri Lanka emerge victorious in the final group match, both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will secure their passage to the Super Four, while Afghanistan's journey in Asia Cup 2023 will come to an end.
Preview of Bangladesh vs Afghanistan ODI in Asia Cup 2023
Bangladesh will face Afghanistan in their second 2023 Asia Cup match, which is a do-or-die situation. The match will take place at Gaddafi Stadium on September 3 at 3:30 PM (Bangladesh time).
Bangladesh’s hopes of going to the Super Four of the Asia Cup faded after losing against Sri Lanka in the first match. Although on paper, Bangladesh still have a chance to go to the next round, the match against Afghanistan is highly important, and Bangladesh needs a big win.
Asia Cup 2023: BAN vs AFG Match Preview
Bangladesh’s Performance against Sri Lanka in the ongoing Asia Cup
Before the match even started against Sri Lanka on August 31, Bangladesh were worried about their opening pair. Their worry turned out to be true because Tanzid Tamim and Naim Sheikh didn’t do well at the beginning of the game. After the bad start, Bangladesh couldn’t make things better. The only player who did well was Najmul Hossain Shanto. He scored 89 runs in the game, and that’s how Bangladesh managed to get more than 150 runs.
Read more: Asia Cup 2023: Six Players in Bangladesh ODI Squad to Watch
However, the bowlers have struggled enough with this low score. After the speed and swing of Taskin Ahmed with the new ball, the Lankan batsmen had to give a tough test to the Shakib-Mehdi spin in the middle overs. However, Bangladesh’s 164 runs were not enough to hold them back in 50 overs.
Shakib Al Hasan won the toss and decided to bat in Pallekele on August 31 (Thursday). Bangladesh could not score more than 164 runs after losing all wickets in 42 overs. In response, Sri Lanka attained victory by losing 5 wickets in 39 overs. At this rate, the equation of survival in the tournament has become very difficult for Bangladesh. Now, to get a place in the Super Four, Bangladesh will have to match the difficult equation.
Significance of the BAN vs AFG Match in the 2023 Asia Cup
There is no alternative to victory against Afghanistan in the do or die battle at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on September 3. A win will keep the hopes of the Super Four alive while looking forward to the second and final match between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. But if Bangladesh loses against the Afghans, the Tigers’ farewell will be confirmed.
Read more: Prospects of Bangladesh in 2023 Asia Cup ODI Tournament
Can Afghanistan Win the Match Against Bangladesh?
Afghanistan will begin their Asia Cup by playing against Bangladesh. In the past, Afghanistan’s cricket team did really well in the Asian Cup and played in the Super Four in the last two ODI editions in 2014 and 2018. But they couldn’t make it to the finals.
Before starting the Asia Cup 2023, the Afghans went to Sri Lanka to play against their closest neighbour, Pakistan, in a three-match ODI series that took place from August 22, 2023, to August 26, 2023. Sadly, they lost all three games in a row. But, before that, the Afghans won against Bangladesh by 2-1 in a three-match ODI series in Bangladesh that happened from July 5, 2023, to July 11, 2023. Hence, Afghanistan will be confident against the Tigers.
Two important bowlers, Naveen-ul-Haq and Fareed Ahmed Malik, won’t be playing; the Afghan bowling team will depend a lot on 22-year-old Fazalhaq Farooqi. They will be looking to him to do well. Further, the Afghan team will also look forward to Karim Janat. He’s been asked to play for the national team again, and he’s excited to be back in ODI cricket after not playing it for six years.
Read more: Asia Cup 2023: Analysis of Bangladesh ODI Squad
Another player, Rahmat Shah, might also get to play in the Afghan team. He was not in the team for the last two games against Pakistan, but he might be in the lineup this time.
Bangladesh’s Probable XIs
Shakib Al Hasan, Mohammad Naim, Anamul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.
Afghanistan’s Probable XIs
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Gulbadin Naib, Rahmat Shah, Shahidullah Kamal, Karim Janat, Abdul Rahman, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Read more: Asia Cup 2023 Fixtures: Team List, Schedule, and Venues
Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Head-to-Head Record
Afghanistan got their ICC Associate member status in 2013 and debuted in the Asia Cup the very next year. Afghanistan’s team, led by Mohammad Nabi, won their first match in Asia Cup 2014 against Bangladesh. Although the Afghans won the first Asia Cup match against the Tigers in 2014, Bangladesh currently leads the overall ICC ODI head-to-head record by 8-6.
These two cricket teams, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, have played against each other three times in the Asia Cup ODI version. They played one match in the 2014 Asia Cup and 2 matches in the 2018 Asia Cup. In the previous ODI edition of the Asia Cup in 2018, Afghanistan won against Bangladesh by a big margin of 136 runs in the group stage of the tournament. But in the same tournament, Bangladesh came back strong and beat Afghanistan in the Super Four.
Bangladeshi Players to Watch
Najmul Hossain Shanto
Even though Bangladesh lost their first game in the tournament, Najmul Hossain Shanto did really well with his batting. He came to bat as the third player in his team and scored 89 runs from 122 balls. That means he played a big part in helping his team reach a total of 164 runs. He started batting very early in the game, in the second over, and didn’t get out until he helped his team get a good score.
Read more: Bangladesh suffer thumping defeat in Asia Cup Vs. S Lanka
Shakib Al Hasan
Although Shakib could not do well with the bat in the first match against Sri Lanka, he tried his best with the ball and took 2 wickets at a 2.9 econ rate. Shakib has good records with Afghanistan, taking 27 wickets from 13 matches with 5/29 best bowling score. Shakib scored 367 runs in those 13 matches. So, he can play a significant role with the ball and bat against the Afghans.
Afghan Players to Watch
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Gurbaz, who is only 21 years old, has become the best and most dependable player in the Afghanistan batting lineup. He has been doing really well in ODIs. In the last series against Pakistan, he scored the most runs for the team, getting 178 runs in three innings with an average of 58 runs per game. Now, it’s up to him, as one of the best players from his team, to face the strong bowling side from Bangladesh and help Afghanistan start their innings well.
Read more: Shaheen Dismisses Rohit and Virat Early as India Bat First in Asia Cup Clash vs Pakistan
Fazalhaq Farooqi
Left-arm fast-medium Fazalhaq Farooqi can be a great asset for Afghanistan. We have seen his performance in the recently ended series in August 2023 against Pakistan. He took 5 wickets in three matches. Farooqi also has a good record against Bangladesh and took 14 wickets from 6 appearances with a 4/54 best-blowing record. So, he might put pressure on Bangladeshi top orders.
Final Words
The upcoming Asia Cup match between Bangladesh and Afghanistan is expected to be acutely competitive. Both teams play in a similar style and are equally strong. But Afghanistan have an advantage because they won a series against Bangladesh in July 2023. Afghanistan will surely focus on Bangladesh’s main weakness, which is their weak batting lineup, to win this game. So, Afghanistan have a great chance to win the match and send Bangladesh out of the Asia Cup.
Read more: Predictions: Who will win Asia Cup 2023?
Pakistan vs India 1st ODI in Asia Cup 2023: Match Preview
The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry demonstrates how passionate people can get over their favourite sports. It's not just about playing a game, but it also represents a long story of history and culture that brings people together and sometimes separates them. Numerous cricket fans in South Asia and around the world are waiting to watch matches between India and Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup ODI tournament. The first India vs Pakistan ODI match in the Asia Cup 2023 will take place on September 2 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium at 3:30 pm (Bangladesh time). Let’s take a look at the match preview.
Preview of PAK vs IND 1st ODI match in the 2023 Asia Cup
Pakistan had a really great beginning in the Asia Cup 2023 tournament. They chose to go first and bat against Nepal in Multan in their first match. They scored 342 runs from 6 wickets. The team's captain, Babar Azam, scored 151 runs from 131 balls, and Iftikhar Ahmed scored an impressive 109 not out from 71 balls. After that, when Nepal was batting, Pakistan's bowlers did a fantastic job and managed to get all of Nepal's players out for just 104 runs. This led to Pakistan winning the match by a big margin of 238 runs.
Iftikhar Ahmed proved that he can be really good at batting when he comes to play later in the lineup. And then there's Mohammad Rizwan, too, who should be able to make the middle order of the lineup more steady and strong.
Right now, Pakistan has the most dangerous group of fast bowlers in the world. The three of them — Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf — have been really strong on all types of cricket pitches. They're going to be a big challenge for India's batters. We think they might be able to get a few of India's top players out early in the game, even before the first powerplay is finished.
India has a lot to show as they start their journey towards the ODI World Cup 2023. The Asia Cup will help the team get used to playing well and gaining some good energy. In the past seasons, India couldn't always play with their best team because many important players were often injured or needed rest. But this time, they have a really strong lineup that covers most of the important areas. Sadly, KL Rahul is still recovering from a small injury and won't be playing in the first two matches. Ishan Kishan will probably take his place in the team.
Read more: Prospects of Bangladesh in 2023 Asia Cup ODI Tournament
India vs Pakistan Head to Head in Asia Cup So Far
India and Pakistan have played against each other 13 times in the men's ODI Asia Cup. India has a bit of an advantage because they've won seven out of those 13 matches. In the last Asia Cup ODI version, which was in 2018, the teams faced each other twice, and India won both times. The current captain of the Indian team, Rohit Sharma, probably remembers those two matches happily because he scored fifty runs in one and a hundred in the other.
They have played against each other three times in Sri Lanka during the tournament's history. Each team won one game, and one game didn't end in a result.
Probable Playing XI for Pakistan
Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf.
Probable Playing XI for India
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah.
Read more: ICC World Cup 2023 Warm-up Schedule: Full fixture list, match timings and venues
Pakistani Players to Watch
Babar Azam
He has been doing really well in all kinds of cricket. And he has started the Asia Cup really impressively. Just this year, Babar has played 12 ODIs and has scored a total of 689 runs. His average score is around 57, which is really good, and he has a strike rate of 87, which means he is hitting the ball well. He has even scored two centuries and six fifties.
Fakhar Zaman
Fakhar Zaman, who is one of the opening players in the team, is also someone who can make a big difference in the game if he starts playing well. Zaman has done really well against India in the past and has been playing really nicely recently. In his last 10 matches, he has scored a total of 523 runs. On average, he scores about 58 runs in each match, and his strike rate is around 92, which means he's playing quite fast and aggressively.
Read more: Asia Cup: Tigers depart for Pakistan
Indian Players to Watch
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is going to be the key player to keep an eye on once again. He has been playing really well this year and has scored a total of 427 runs in 10 ODIs. On average, he scores around 53 runs in each match, which is really good. He has even scored two centuries (100 or more runs in a single game) and one fifty. Against Pakistan, he usually scores about 49 runs on average, and it wouldn't be surprising if he delivers another amazing performance, considering his skills as a great batter.
Rohit Sharma
Another player who can really change the game is Rohit Sharma. He is the captain of the Indian team. Against Pakistan, he usually scored around 51 runs on average over 16 ODIs. He has scored two centuries and six fifties in those matches. Even though he has not been playing his best in ODIs recently, we are hoping that Rohit will play a significant and impactful innings in this important match.
Final Words
India has done well against Pakistan in recent years in the ODIs. They have won four out of the last five matches they played against Pakistan. But the current Pakistan team is much better and they won't be easy to defeat. With Babar Azam playing so well and their strong bowling attack, they will be a tough challenge for India. The Indian team looks strong on paper, but many of their players are coming back from injuries. Because of this, they might not be at their best, and they could have some trouble facing Pakistan's fast bowlers, who are really good.
On the other hand, Pakistan has been playing in Sri Lanka for the past few weeks and has built great winning momentum. Unless Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli, who are important players for India, play really well, India might find it hard to beat Pakistan, who are currently the top team in ODIs.
Not to mention, the ODI match between India and Pakistan in the 2023 Asia Cup will be thrilling and enjoyable once again.
Read more: Predictions: Who will win Asia Cup 2023?
Tigers Set to Commence Asia Cup Campaign Against Sri Lanka on Thursday
Bangladesh is poised to commence their Asia Cup journey with a faceoff against Sri Lanka in Kandy on Thursday.
Leading up to the Asia Cup, Bangladesh was dealt a dual blow with the loss of key bowler Ebadot Hossain and top-order batter Litton Das, both ruled out due to injuries.
Read: Asia Cup 2023: Preview of Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI
Ebadot underwent surgery for a knee injury sustained during an ODI against Afghanistan earlier this year at home. Meanwhile, Litton was unable to secure a spot in the squad due to a bout of fever.
However, the newly inducted captain of Bangladesh’s ODI team remains unperturbed by the absentees. The captain expressed full confidence in securing a berth in the Super Fours with the current lineup.
Replacing Ebadot is Tanzim Hasan Sakib, an uncapped player. In an unexpected move, the Bangladeshi selectors included Anamul Haque Bijoy to fill the void left by Litton.
Read: Litton Das Ruled out of First Match Due to Fever
While Sakib's inclusion was rational, Anamul's selection raised eyebrows. He wasn't part of the contingent undergoing training under the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) program to provide backup players when needed.
Describing Litton's absence as a significant loss, Bangladesh captain Shakib commented, "He consistently performed well for us over the past few years. However, this presents a golden opportunity for someone else, who I'm confident will seize it."
As for Anamul's inclusion, Shakib cited the logic of a right-hand-left-hand combination at the top of the order. Zakir, who was training with the backup players, appeared as the natural choice, given Litton's illness. Yet, selectors opted for Anamul, citing the need for a wicketkeeper.
“Both Anamul and Litton bat in the top-order. In case something happens to Mushfiqur Rahim during the game, like a concussion or a minor injury, forcing him out of keeping, we needed coverage,” Shakib added.
Read: Bangladesh Cricket Team Departs for Asia Cup Without Liton Das
Shakib emphasized excelling in all facets of the game rather than fixating on a single position.
Since the notable Nidahas Trophy in 2018, Bangladesh's rivalry with Sri Lanka has intensified. Shakib, however, described the atmosphere in the dressing room as more composed. "While not a rivalry, we deliver impressive cricket when these two nations compete. It's a positive display for both the crowd and broadcasters."
Bangladesh has emerged as a formidable 50-over side. Despite India and Pakistan frequently being named as top contenders for the Asia Cup, the captain remains unfazed by such considerations.
Bangladesh boasts a record of nine victories in 51 ODIs against Sri Lanka. In recent years, they've become potent challengers. Still, Shakib recognizes the difficulty of playing against Sri Lanka on their home turf.
Read: Bangladesh aim a Super Fours berth in Asia Cup
The match is scheduled to commence at 3:30 pm (Dhaka time). It will be broadcast live on T-Sports, as well as on the OTT platform Toffee and the smartphone app MyGP.
Bangladesh Asia Cup squad: Shakib Al Hasan (Captain), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Naim, Shamim Hossain, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Anamul Haque Bijoy//
Asia Cup 2023: Preview of Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI
The 2023 Asia Cup is in full swing, and now it’s time for the Group B matches to begin. Two strong teams from South Asia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, are getting ready to face each other. The Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka match will take place on August 31 at 3:30 pm at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. While the Bangladesh team is aiming to win their first-ever Asia Cup, the Sri Lankan side is the second most successful team after India. However, Bangladesh have good records against Sri Lanka in recent matches. Let’s see more in this BAN vs SL 1st ODI Asia Cup 2023 match preview.
Preview of Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup 2023 ODI
Banglades selected a team of 17 players two weeks ago. Among them, five players – Tawhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib – were part of the Under-19 World Cup-winning team in 2020. Ebadot Hossain was initially included in the squad, but he won’t be able to play due to a lingering injury. Unfortunately, the 29-year-old fast bowler had to withdraw from the tournament. On the other hand, experienced all-rounder Mahmudullah, despite taking part in the preliminary fitness camp, has once again not been included in the Bangladesh team.
Litton Das was supposed to go to Sri Lanka later as he was suffering from viral fever. But he was ruled out of the Asia Cup 2023 as he is not fit yet and has no chance to play in any of the matches. Hence, the Bangladesh Cricket Board needed to do a swift reshuffle in the Bangladesh squad. Anamul Haque Bijoy has been included in the team as Litton’s replacement. With a wealth of experience under his belt, Anamul has participated in 44 ODIs, amassing a total of 1254 runs, which includes three centuries. His most recent appearance in a Bangladesh ODI was in December 2022 when he took on India on the cricket field.
The Sri Lankan team had to make changes to their original Asia Cup squad because of injuries to Dilshan Madhushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Lahiru Kumara. This is a major setback for Sri Lanka’s bowling team because these four players are really important for the head coach Chris Silverwood’s plans and strategies to win. The team is currently facing fitness issues with these players, and that’s why they haven’t yet chosen new players to replace them or officially declared the final squad.
Read more: Prospects of Bangladesh in 2023 Asia Cup ODI Tournament
Bangladesh’s Probable XI
Anamul Haque Bijoy, Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman.
Sri Lanka’s Probable XI
Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sahan Arachchige, Dasun Shanaka, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana and Kasun Rajitha.
Read more: Asia Cup 2023 Fixtures: Team List, Schedule, and Venues
Recent Performance of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka
After winning 2-0 in a series against Ireland on foreign soil, the Bangladesh cricket team came back home in June 2023 to play a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. However, things didn’t go well for the Tigers in this series. They faced a painful defeat on their home ground, losing both of the first matches. Bangladesh’s previous Asia Cup journey was also disappointing. In the last tournament, they couldn’t even win a single match in the group stage, which led to their elimination.
In contrast, Sri Lanka had a really good time in the 2022 Asia Cup. They did very well and became the champions of this important tournament for the first time since 2014. The Sri Lankan team’s most recent 50-over match was in July 2023, when they went to Zimbabwe to take part in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers. They won this qualification title convincingly by beating the Netherlands by 128 runs, and they were unbeatable throughout the tournament.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Head to Head Records So Far
Both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are seen as top teams in one-day international cricket these days. However, when they have played against each other, Sri Lanka were usually much stronger. Sri Lanka have been clearly in control against Bangladesh, winning 40 times. While Bangladesh have shown improvement in recent times, they have won only 10 out of the 51 matches they have played against Sri Lanka.
Read more: Asia Cup 2023: Six Players in Bangladesh ODI Squad to Watch
Key Players of BAN vs SL 1st ODI Match in the 2023 Asia Cup
Shakib Al Hasan
The Bangladesh team still depends a lot on this experienced all-rounder because of his remarkable skills. Despite being 36 years old, he was among the top 5 players for both runs scored and wickets taken in the series against Afghanistan. He was the only Bangladeshi bowler who managed to take at least one wicket in all three matches.
The Bangladesh team has many young players, especially in the batting lineup. So, it’s going to be crucial for the captain to bring stability to the team’s performance in the middle of the game. And Shakib is fully capable of that.
Maheesh Theekshana
With the star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga not available, the responsibility of leading Sri Lanka’s spin attack will fall on the shoulders of this 23-year-old off-break bowler.
Read more: Asia Cup 2023: Analysis of Bangladesh ODI Squad
Theekshana had a fantastic performance in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers. He took 21 wickets in just 8 matches, making him the second-most successful bowler in the tournament. His average was really low at 12.19 runs per wicket. He even achieved a hat-trick of 4-wicket hauls in the final match against the Netherlands. He had previously accomplished this against Zimbabwe and West Indies as well.
Who Will Win?
Sri Lanka’s challenge in putting together their best bowling lineup could give Bangladesh’s batting team a chance to go on the offensive. But even with this, Sri Lanka is in a good position with a higher chance of winning. They have the advantage of being in good form and playing on their home ground.
Final Words
Sri Lanka are the current champion of the Asia Cup. Lately, Sri Lanka have been doing really well in ODI cricket. They performed incredibly well in the ICC Men’s World Cup Qualifiers, where they didn’t lose any matches and ended up winning the tournament. Because of this, the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh match will be highly competitive, as the Bangladesh team is also in good form. Although Bangladesh came from a 2-1 loss against Afghanistan, the Tigers seem to be confident before leaving for Asia Cup 2023.
Read more: Predictions: Who will win Asia Cup 2023?
Anamul included in Bangladesh’s Asia Cup squad as Litton ruled out
Bangladesh's opening batsman, Litton Das, has been ruled out of the ACC Asia Cup 2023 due to an unfortunate bout of viral fever. His absence has prompted a swift reshuffle in the Bangladesh squad, with Anamul Haque Bijoy stepping in as his replacement.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the development on Wednesday morning (August 30, 2023).
The opener's inability to travel to Sri Lanka with the Tigers’ Asia Cup squad and his ongoing struggle to overcome the lingering fever have ultimately led to his withdrawal from the much-awaited competition.
Litton Das Ruled out of First Match Due to Fever
The National Selection Panel of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has called upon Anamul, a 30-year-old right-handed batter, to fill the void left by Litton.
An experienced campaigner, Anamul boasts an impressive track record, having featured in 44 ODIs and accumulating 1254 runs, including three centuries. His latest appearance in an ODI match for Bangladesh dates back to December last year when he faced India on the field.
Asia Cup 2023: Preview of Pakistan vs Nepal 1st ODI
Minhajul Abedin, Chairman of BCB’s National Selection Panel, shared insights into the thought process behind Anamul’s selection. "He (Anamul) has been in the runs in domestic cricket, and we have continued to monitor him in the Bangladesh Tigers programme. He was always in our consideration," Minhajul remarked.
Minhajul went on to explain, "Due to Litton’s unavailability, we needed a top-order batter who could keep wicket, and Anamul got the nod."
Bangladesh will take on Sri Lanka on August 31 in their opening Asia Cup match in Kandy. Following that, they will travel to Pakistan to play their second Asia Cup match against Afghanistan.
ICC World Cup 2023 Warm-up Schedule: Full fixture list, match timings and venues
Bangladesh squad for 2023 Asia Cup:
Shakib Al Hasan (Captain), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Naim, Shamim Hossain, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Anamul Haque Bijoy