Pakistan to play SL in opener

The five-nation Asia Cup Cricket begins in the city today (Tuesday) with defending champions Pakistan taking on Sri Lanka in the opening match at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah, reports UNB.

The 50 over-a-side day-night will start at 2 pm.

The other three participating countries are five times champions India, hosts Bangladesh and newcomer Afghanistan.

In the opening match, Pakistan will face Sri Lanka with a sweet memory of beating the Islanders by 3-2 in the ODI series in December, but three of those matches saw close finishes.

After playing some limited-over tournaments at home, Pakistan comes to Asia Cup with almost the same squad that played against Sri Lanka last December in the UAE.

Fawad Alam is one of the surprise inclusions, but he is unlikely to play in the tournament opener. Bilawal Bhatti and Anwar Ali will compete for the third seamer's position.

Two senior Sri Lankan bowlers Rangana Herath and Nuwan Kulasekara are unavailable, leaving the attack in less-experienced hands. Lasith Malinga and Kumar Sangakkara will return after having been rested for the third ODI against Bangladesh and Ashan Priyanjan is likely to assume a place in the middle-order.

The first five matches of the Asia Cup will be held at Khan Saheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah while the other six matches including the final are scheduled to be held at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. All matches will begin at 2 pm.