Bangladesh will take on Sri Lanka in the second game of the Asia Cup on Thursday (August 31) at Pallekele International Stadium in Sri Lanka. These two teams have had a bit of history in recent times, and this time also, it would be no different in the Asia Cup. Bangladesh are coming off a thumping ODI series win against Afghanistan. While Sri Lanka players played Lanka Premier League and fresh.
However, Sri Lanka are grappling with injuries as a few of their first-choice players, like Wanindu Hasaranga, Madhushanaka, and Kusal Perera are doubtful for the match against Bangladesh due to niggle, and COVID-19. Perera is down with COVID-19, while Madhushanka has torn his muscle. With the World Cup just around the corner, the island nation would be hoping no other player is injured.
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Speaking about the Pallekele venue, LPL was played at this venue, with batters dominating the contest. The pitch is expected to be the same during Asia Cup match between Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka.
Pallekele Stadium Pitch Report: Batters & slow bowlers set to dominate as BAN & SL aim to start Asia Cup campaign on a winning note
Historically at Pallekele, batters have enjoyed batting the most as the ball comes nicely onto the bat. However, spinners will also get some purchase during the second innings as the surface will be on the slower side. Teams will look to bat first on this surface as the batting will get quite difficult in the second innings.
33 ODIs have been played at Pallekele so far, and teams batting first have won 14 matches. Average first innings score on this ground is 248.
BAN vs SL Probable Playing XIs
BAN: 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.
SL: Dasun Shanaka (C), Kusal Mendis, Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Chamika Karunaratne, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana.
