In the opener of Asia Cup 2018, Bangladesh will lock horns with Sri Lanka at Dubai International stadium in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday.
Both the teams are grappling with injuries ahead of the tournament opener clash which might bring changes in the playing 11 of both the teams.
Bangladesh come into the tournament on the back of a 2-1 series win over the West Indies, while Sri Lanka’s lost a five-match home series against South Africa.
For Bangladesh, Asia Cup brings up tragic memories of the 2012, when Pakistan defeated them by only two runs in the final.
Having beaten Sri Lanka and India in the round-robin stage that year, Bangladesh were almost close to clinch the region's biggest cricket title.
Bangladesh couldn’t get through in last two consecutive Asia Cup finals in 2014 and 2016.
To name the title, there is no alternative to play like a compact team, says skipper Mashrafe.
The match is set to start at 5:30pm Bangladesh time.
The Asia Cup has been a tournament where Bangladesh have done well over the years. During the last edition at home, they were in final although the event was competed in T20 format.
In 2012, they played the finals in the 50 over format.
The side under Mashrafe has the wherewithal to compete in the 50-over format with a good bowling line-up for slower decks like the ones that will be on offer in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The batting comprises a mercurial Tamim Iqbal and the seasoned Mahmudullah Riyadh. Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan are fantastic on their days and the team would remain a dark horse in the tournament.
Coming back to the Saturday’s match, Bangladesh have a full-strength side to pick from, fitness permitting, with the mainstays Shakib, Iqbal, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mustafizur Rahman all there.
With Afghanistan the third team in the group, both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will try to make a good start to the tournament and make sure they don’t fall behind in the race for the Super Four.
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