Bangladesh kick off their Asia Cup Super Fours campaign against Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium today (Sep 20). The match is scheduled to start at 8:30 PM, with T Sports and Nagorik TV broadcasting it live.

Bangladesh secured their place in the Super Fours thanks to a combination of performance and luck. Sri Lanka’s six-wicket win over Afghanistan ensured that Bangladesh advanced alongside them. An Afghan victory could have eliminated Bangladesh from the tournament.

Although Bangladesh lost to Sri Lanka in the group stage, their eight-run victory over Afghanistan, a T20 World Cup semifinalist, gave them crucial points and renewed hope for a place in the final. To stay alive in the title race, Bangladesh must beat Sri Lanka in the Super Fours, as they start this phase two points behind. Points from the group stage carry over into this round.

Sri Lanka is a familiar opponent for Bangladesh, having faced them four times in the last two months. Bangladesh won a three-match series 2-1 in Sri Lanka recently but lost to them by six wickets in the Asia Cup group fixture. Despite the defeat, Bangladesh showed resilience against Afghanistan under immense pressure.

Historically, Sri Lanka holds the upper hand, winning 13 of 21 T20 Internationals against Bangladesh. In Asia Cup encounters, Sri Lanka has won 15 out of 18 matches. In T20 Asia Cup fixtures specifically, Sri Lanka leads 2-1. Bangladesh won the inaugural T20 Asia Cup match in 2016, while Sri Lanka claimed a two-wicket victory in 2022 before eventually lifting the trophy.

Today’s game could favor Bangladesh, as Sri Lanka must play two matches in less than 48 hours under scorching heat, while Bangladesh enjoyed four days of rest after their Afghanistan clash.

Squads

Bangladesh: Liton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Patwari, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Saifuddine

Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Janith Liyanage

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