Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2023: Playing XI for BAN vs SL, pitch report and more

The 2nd match of the Asia Cup 2023 is on the horizon, featuring Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Both teams find themselves without crucial players, putting their squad depth to the test as Group B action will commence in Pallekele.

Sri Lanka will enter the tournament as the defending champions of the Asia Cup, having clinched the title in the previous edition. Their prowess in ODI cricket is evident, highlighted by their exceptional performance in the ICC Men's World Cup Qualifiers, where they maintained an undefeated record en route to clinching the championship.

READ | Asia Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma, Babar Azam and other captains and their squads

Meanwhile, Bangladesh's current form in ODI cricket is rather ordinary. They recently faced a setback in a 3-match ODI series against Afghanistan, conceding a 2-1 defeat. While they managed to secure victory in a 3-match series against Ireland, they faltered against England earlier this year, suffering a 2-1 loss.

Asia Cup 2023: BAN vs SL Match Overview

Tournament: Asia Cup 2023

Match: BAN vs SL, Match 02

Day/Date: Thursday / August 31, 2023

Time: 3:00 PM IST

Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Asia Cup 2023: BAN vs SL Probable Playing11

Bangladesh Playing11: Afif Hossain, Naim Sheikh, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Towid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mahedi Hasan

Sri Lanka Playing11: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Matheesha Pathirana

BAN vs SL Dream11 Prediction:

Wicketkeeper: Kusal Mendis

Batsmen: Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Najmal Hossain Shanto, Charith Asalanka

All-rounders: Shakib Al Hasan (C), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Dasun Shanaka, Dananjaya de Silva (VC)

Bowlers: Maheesh Theekshana

BAN vs SL Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report:

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium features a pitch that strongly favours the batters. During the early phases of the game, bowlers will receive minimal support, prompting the batters to seize control. 

Nevertheless, the pitch's pace will decrease, offering an advantage to the spin bowlers. For the captain winning the toss, selecting to bowl first might prove to be a strategic choice at this location.