CHRIS DHAMBARAGE
COLOMBO – In a high-stakes encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Bangladesh won a crucial toss and opted to field first in their Super Four clash of the Asia Cup Cricket Tournament against Sri Lanka on Saturday.
Sri Lanka, under the captaincy of Dasun Shanaka, have been on an impressive winning streak, having triumphed in 12 consecutive matches. A 13th win in this contest would propel them to the second-most successful ODI team globally.
As the teams took to the field, Bangladesh Captain Shakib Al Hasan emphasised the importance of this must-win game, stating: “It’s a must-win game, but we need to get our basics right. I think it might be a little different from Pakistan, so we need to adjust very well. Nasum Ahmed comes in for Afif Hossain.”
On the other side, Sri Lanka Captain, Dasun Shanaka, expressed his thoughts after losing the toss, saying: “I could have batted first since, you know, under the lights, the ball will move, and later on, it starts to turn as well.”
Shanaka also provided insights into the pitch conditions, stating: “I feel like this is a good batting track. With the lights coming into play later, there will be some movement, as I mentioned, these wickets are used wickets. I expect some turn in the evening.”
Shanaka further emphasised the importance of trust in the team’s processes and players, particularly the top-order batsmen and the flexible bowling unit. He highlighted the team’s ability to adapt and deliver as the key to their success.
“Talking about the process and trusting our players, you know, the top order, especially getting crucial runs, and the bowling unit, it doesn’t matter who the names are—the guys coming into the side are really delivering. So, that’s the key to a good side. You know we need to carry that momentum during this tournament as well,” Shanaka concluded.
The teams
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana.
Bangladesh (Playing XI): Mohammad Naim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das, Shakib Al Hasan (Captain), Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shamim Hossain Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nasum Ahmed.
Umpires: Jayaraman Madanagopal (India) and Paul Wilson (Australia).
Television Umpires: Longton Rusere (Zimbabwe)
Reserve Umpire: Ahmed Shah Pakteen (Afghanistan).
Match Referee: Javagal Srinath (India).
