Bangladesh is poised to commence their Asia Cup journey with a face off against Sri Lanka in Kandy today (Thursday).
They have made the Asia Cup final three times but are still searching for their first trophy. However, they want to break that jinx in this edition with captain Shakib Al Hasan focusing on to winning start to get a momentum for the whole tournament, report agencies.
The match is scheduled to commence at 3:30 pm (Dhaka time). It will be broadcast live on T-Sports, as well as on the OTT platform Toffee and the smartphone app MyGP.
Leading up to the Asia Cup, Bangladesh was dealt a dual blow with the loss of key bowler Ebadot Hossain and top-order batter Liton Das, both ruled out due to injuries.
Ebadot underwent surgery for a knee injury sustained during an ODI against Afghanistan earlier this year at home. Meanwhile, Liton was unable to secure a spot in the squad due to a bout of fever.
However, the newly inducted captain of Bangladesh's ODI team remains unperturbed by the absentees. The captain expressed full confidence in securing a berth in the Super Fours with the current lineup.
Replacing Ebadot is Tanzim Hasan Sakib, an uncapped player. In an unexpected move, the Bangladeshi selectors included Anamul Haque Bijoy to fill the void left by Litton.
While Sakib's inclusion was rational, Anamul's selection raised eyebrows. He wasn't part of the contingent undergoing training under the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) programme to provide backup players when needed.
Describing Liton's absence as a significant loss, Bangladesh captain Shakib commented, "He consistently performed well for us over the past few years. However, this presents a golden opportunity for someone else, who I'm confident will seize it."
As for Anamul's inclusion, Shakib cited the logic of a right-hand-left-hand combination at the top of the order. Zakir, who was training with the backup players, appeared as the natural choice, given Liton's illness. Yet, selectors opted for Anamul, citing the need for a wicketkeeper.
"Both Anamul and Liton bat in the top-order. In case something happens to Mushfiqur Rahim during the game, like a concussion or a minor injury, forcing him out of keeping, we needed coverage," Shakib added.
Shakib emphasized excelling in all facets of the game rather than fixating on a single position.
Since the notable Nidahas Trophy in 2018, Bangladesh's rivalry with Sri Lanka has intensified. Shakib, however, described the atmosphere in the dressing room as more composed. "While not a rivalry, we deliver impressive cricket when these two nations compete. It's a positive display for both the crowd and broadcasters."
Bangladesh has emerged as a formidable 50-over side. Despite India and Pakistan frequently being named as top contenders for the Asia Cup, the captain remains unfazed by such considerations.
Bangladesh boasts a record of nine victories in 51 ODIs against Sri Lanka. In recent years, they've become potent challengers. Still, Shakib recognizes the difficulty of playing against Sri Lanka on their home turf.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka said on Wednesday the defending champions will challenge every team in the Asia Cup despite injuries to several key players.
Sri Lanka, co-hosting the tournament with Pakistan, face Bangladesh on Thursday after injuries forced them to drop two key players at the last minute.
They won the tournament in the T20 format last year but it reverts to the ODI format as a prelude to the 50-over World Cup in India, which starts on October 5.
"We are playing in our backyard, so have the home advantage," Shanaka told reporters in Pallekele.
"There are a few players not participating due to injury but still I think we have got a pretty good side who can challenge all the teams."
Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga and fast-bowler Dushmantha Chameera will sit out the tournament after being named in the original 15-member squad but Shanaka said his team remained confident.
"There is no pressure at all," he said.
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