Asia Cup Preview: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka 6th Match 2012
Hosts look to seal Asia Cup final spot
Match: Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka
Location: Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Date & Time: March 20th 08:00 GMT
Hosts Bangladesh will be looking to set up an Asia Cup final date with Pakistan by beating Sri Lanka in the last round robin match of the tournament on Tuesday. Bangladesh will be high on confidence after beating India in their last match and also taking Pakistan close in the opening match of the tournament. They also will have the highly charged and cricket crazy home crowd behind them when they take to the field in Dhaka.
Bangladeshi Captain Mashrafe Mortaza has acknowledged that it is a must win match for them however he pointed out that they have the confidence. While talking on the eve of the match he said that: “This is a must-win game for us so we are taking it as a positive sign. Our confidence is high after the win against India.”
Bangladesh knows that even a win without a bonus point would be enough for them. This is because they have already beaten India in the tournament and if both teams end up with the same points the hosts will be through.
The Bangladeshi team management will also be happy with the way Nasir Hossain has played in the tournament. The twenty year old has been a revelation with his mature batting, handy spin bowling and electric fielding.
Seamer Shafiul Islam has injured himself and is unavailable for the rest of the tournament and Abul Hasan has been drafted into the squad in his place. But it remains to be seen if Hasan will be included in the playing XI or will it be someone else.
Meanwhile Sri Lanka has had a wretched tournament, losing both their games so far. They will be desperate to regain some pride and avoid the humiliation of losing to Bangladesh and going home winless from the tournament.
Sri Lankan Captain Mahela Jayawardene told the media that: “It’s another international game for us so we are not thinking too far ahead. It has been a disappointing series so hopefully we’ll finish off with a win.”
One big concern for them is the recent form of Lasith Malinga. Malinga used to be their spearhead and is considered one of the best death bowlers due to his vicious Yorkers. However Sri Lanka is expected to field an unchanged team and give him one more chance to recover his form.
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