Bangladesh easily won their first match against Hong Kong in the Asia Cup. However, Bangladesh will face a tough opponent in Abu Dhabi today. That opponent is Sri Lanka.
Before taking the field, Sri Lanka captain Charit Asalanka reminded Bangladesh that they are the current champions in the Asia Cup. The Sri Lanka captain also talked about how to bat easily against Bangladeshi bowlers on the Abu Dhabi wicket. Asalanka believes that batting will be easier if the new ball gradually becomes a little softer.
India last won the Asia Cup in 2023. So how is Sri Lanka the current champion of the Asia Cup? Actually, the Sri Lanka captain did not say anything wrong. This time the Asia Cup is being held in the T20 version. Sri Lanka was the last champion in this version in 2022.
The Asia Cup, which started in 1984, is now a two-version tournament. Sometimes ODI, sometimes T20. In this case, the next global tournament is taken into consideration. For example, since the T20 World Cup is in 2026, this time the Asia Cup is being held in the T20 version. The same picture was seen in the Asia Cup held before the 2022 T20 World Cup. The Asia Cup held before the 2019 and 2023 ODI World Cups were 50-overs.
Before taking the field in their first match in the Asia Cup today, the 2022 title win is inspiring Sri Lanka. Before taking the field against Bangladesh, Asalanka said in a press conference, “It’s really great to think that we are the current champions. Many of these players also played in that tournament last time (in the United Arab Emirates). We know that since we are champions, we can go a long way. It’s an inspiration for the players to do well.”
In their own countries, both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh usually play on slow wickets, which are conducive to spin. However, Asalanka hopes the Abu Dhabi wicket will be different, “Compared to other venues in the UAE, I think Abu Dhabi is the best pitch for batsmen. Once the ball is soft, it is very easy to bat here, and the outfield is also very good. Every batsman will want to play in Abu Dhabi.” The match will be played today at 8:30 pm Bangladesh time. In the last 10 years, these teams have played 16 T20Is against each other. Where both teams have won eight matches each.
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