Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Fantasy Team for Today’s match

On August 31 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele, the second match of the Asia Cup 2023 will pit Bangladesh (BAN) versus Sri Lanka (SL). Bangladesh has been playing well lately, winning three of their previous five games. On the other hand, Sri Lanka has been dominating this format, winning each of their previous five games.

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Preview

Afghanistan and Bangladesh faced off in their most recent game, with Afghanistan choosing to bat after winning the toss. Afghanistan would wish to soon forget this game because of their batting disaster. Azmatullah Omarzai was the only batter to make a significant contribution to the team’s run total, which was just 126. Although Bangladesh lost an early wicket, they clearly had no trouble chasing down the total and won the match easily by seven wickets with more than 26 overs remaining.

The Netherlands and Sri Lanka had previously faced off, with the Netherlands winning the toss and choosing to field. Sri Lanka got off to a good start, and it only got better as they amassed 180 runs for the cost of only four wickets. At that point, Netherlands bowlers attempted to retake the initiative and dismissed their rivals for just 233. When the Netherlands learned of the disparity between the two sides, their initial happiness at limiting Sri Lanka to such a sum quickly faded. In response, they scored just 105 runs before being bowled out, which resulted in a 128-run defeat.

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Match details

Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele 

Date: 31st August, 3:00 PM (Local), 3:00 PM (IST)

Where to watch in India: Star Sports India (TV) and Disney+ Hotstar (Streaming)

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Pitch Report

The ground at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is very evenly balanced. Due to the turn and bounce on offer, spinners in particular may receive a bit more assistance. On this pitch, batters that can rotate strike well will fare well. The average first innings total is 195, therefore teams that win the toss may decide to chase.

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Fantasy Team

Wicketkeeper

Mushfiqur Rahim: Mushfiqur Rahim is one of the best wicketkeepers in the Asia Cup. He has the second-most runs among the active players in the continental tournament. On a pitch that could assist spinners, he is someone who could score some and even score points while being behind the wicket.

Batters

Pathum Nissanka: Pathum Nissanka has been in great form this year. In 2023, Nissanka has scored 687 runs in 14 matches at an average of more than 57. 

Dimuth Karunaratne: The Sri Lankan test skipper just like Nissanka has been great this year. Dimuth Karunaratne has scored 481 runs this year at an average of more than 60.

Najmul Hossain-Shanto: Najmul Hossain-Shanto is a Bangladeshi batter who has played on tracks that assist spin bowling. 

All-rounders

Shakib Al Hasan (C): Shakib Al Hasan is one of the greatest all-rounders of present times. He is a spin bowler which makes him a threat on these pitches. He is also a good player of spin bowling.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz: Mehidy Hasan Miraz is another great player of spin bowling and is someone who could be among the wickets. In 2023, he has taken 9 wickets in 10 matches.

Dasun Shanaka: The white-ball skipper is a great player on home pitches. Shanaka has done a good job of leading his team and has been a productive captain. He has participated in 61 games in this format, scoring 1150 runs and taking 23 wickets.

Dhananjya de Silva (VC): The Sri Lankan has scored 307 runs this year and has taken nine wickets with the ball in hand. Dhananjya de Silva has not scored a century in ODI’s but a player of his calibre might just score one on such pitches.

Bowlers

Maheesh Theekshana: Maheesh Theekshana is one of the upcoming mystery spinner. If the pitch has even the slightest turn on offer then he can be a handful.

Matheesha Pathirana: Matheesha Pathirana is a young bowler without any great match experience but he is someone who bowls the death overs. Bowling during the later stage of the game gives him a chance to take some quick wickets.

Taskin Ahmed: Taskin Ahmed has been in sensational form this year. He has taken 12 wickets this year at an average of just 15.16.

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Fantasy XI

Wicketkeeper: Mushfiqur Rahim

Batters: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Najmul Hossain-Shanto

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

Bowlers: Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Taskin Ahmed