Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
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| Image credit: AP |
Asia Cup 2018 begins with a high stakes clash. Group B is easily the more competitive group, with all three sides realistically capable of reaching the Super Four stage.
So, the first game is huge for both sides.
Bangladesh are coming off a very good limited overs leg of their recent West Indies tour, and have the ability to surprise any team in this tournament. However, the question always remains as to which Bangladesh side will turn up, and with this game being so important to their qualification chances, they’ll need to hit their straps right away. Again, much will depend on the likes of Tamim, Shakib, Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah in the batting department, but can others step up? How well can Bangladesh bowl and field? A huge opportunity awaits them.
For Sri Lanka, well, they continue to remain under pressure in ODIs. Following their disappointing 3-2 home series loss to South Africa, Sri Lanka’s record in ODIs since the start of 2017 reads 10 wins in 37 matches. Their last visit to the UAE was also not very memorable, losing the ODI series 5-0 to Pakistan. However, with the likes of Upul Tharanga, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis and Thisara Perera all very threatening on their day, Sri Lanka should have hope. Also, what impact will Lasith Malinga have? Like Bangladesh, it’s a huge game for Sri Lanka.
Key to a Bangladesh win
Sri Lanka’s top order had a tough time of things against South Africa recently, and Bangladesh need to pounce.
In Mashrafe Mortaza, Mustafizur Rahman and Rubel Hossain, Bangladesh have strong ODI experience to be able to prize out a few wickets at the top. Kusal Mendis and Upul Tharanga were especially disappointing in their recent South Africa series, scoring just 86 and 93 runs respectively in the five matches.
Also, much still depends on Bangladesh’s “big four” with the bat. In the last year, Tamim, Shakib and Mushfiqur have topped Bangladesh’s run scoring charts, with 562, 450 and 430 respectively. With no Akila Dananjaya for Sri Lanka, a huge opportunity awaits Bangladesh to get runs on the board. Can the likes of Liton Das and Mossadek Hossain also get in on the act?
Key to a Sri Lanka win
Bangladesh have a tendency to crumble under pressure, so Sri Lanka, even without a few important players, will still back their chances.
Against a side that can accumulate plenty of dot balls when batting, Sri Lanka’s bowlers and fielders need to be on song in what will be hot conditions. Tight bowling that builds the pressure on the Bangladeshis can result in regular wickets. Can the seamers, led by Lasith Malinga, have a strong impact? Can they knock over Bangladesh’s “big four”? What about the impact of Dilruwan and Thisara Perera, who enjoy playing against Bangladesh?
Also, as mentioned, Sri Lanka’s top order was very disappointing against South Africa. With skipper Angelo Mathews showing good form to end that series, the top order needs to set a platform to give the middle order a chance to capitalise, rather than rebuild.
Possible teams
ALLELUIA. Sabbir Rahman has been dropped for Bangladesh. Anamul Haque has also been dropped, after having not taken his opportunity in his return to the side in 2018. Mohammad Mithun, Mominul Haque, Ariful Haque are in the squad, and one of the three might get a run. I’d love to see Mominul in the side, but it is unlikely in my opinion.
Bangladesh possible XI: 1. Tamim Iqbal, 2. Liton Das, 3. Shakib Al Hasan, 4. Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5. Mahmudullah, 6. Mosaddek Hossain, 7. Mohammad Mithun/Ariful Haque, 8. Mashrafe Mortaza (c), 9. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 10. Rubel Hossain, 11. Mustafizur Rahman
For Sri Lanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Akila Dananjaya and Danushka Gunathilaka are all missing. The make up of the side is still a little unclear, but the template for victory remains the same.
Sri Lanka possible XI: 1. Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 2. Upul Tharanga, 3. Kusal Perera, 4. Kusal Mendis, 5. Angelo Mathews, 6. Dhananjaya de Silva, 7. Thisara Perera, 8. Dasun Shanaka, 9. Dilruwan Perera, 10. Suranga Lakmal, 11. Lasith Malinga
Dream11
My Dream11 selected for the match is below, with my main reasons listed under the image.
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- Tamim Iqbal is Captain, given his amazing 2018 so far where he has scored 539 runs at 89.83. Also, I think Liton Das will go well today, continuing on from his good finish to the West Indies tour.
- Upul Tharanga and Kusal Mendis are two solid picks in the batting department.
- Kusal Perera is a good option for wicket keeping, but I think Niroshan Dickwella will get the gig. I’ve picked Mushfiqur Rahim.
- Shakib Al Hasan, given his fitness concerns, still makes my team but isn’t captain. Thisara Perera has had a good 2018 and likes playing against Bangladesh, so he’s my VC. Dilruwan Perera is also a decent option with his offspin.
- Mashrafe Mortaza has good wicket taking ability at the top against an uncertain Sri Lanka top order, backed up by Mustafizur Rahman and the economical Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Stats and Facts
- Bangladesh have not played a game in the UAE since April 1995.
- Sri Lanka have won three of the last five ODIs against Bangladesh.
Prediction
I think Bangladesh look a more confident ODI unit right now, and will kick off the tournament with a win. This should be a good clash between two rivals with a lot at stake.
Thanks for reading!
