Sabbir, Miraz in, Ebadot debuts as Tigers asked to bat

Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka has won the toss and chose to bowl first as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka lock horns in a must-win T20I encounter in their second and last group fixture at the Dubai International Stadium in the Asia Cup tonight.

The last Group B game has turned into a virtual knockout contest as the winner will progress to the Super Four behind Afghanistan, who defeated Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in comprehensive fashion earlier.

Bangladesh have made three changes, from their starting eleven against Afghanistan, with Sabbir Rahman, Mehedi Hasan Miraz and debutant Ebadot Hossain making the cut into the playing eleven, replacing openers Mohammad Naim, Anamul Haque Bijoy and all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin.

Bangladesh's players pose for a group photo before the start of the match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanaka at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on September 1, 2022. Photo: AFP

Sabbir returned to squad after over two years. The last time he featured for Bangladesh was in a T20I against Afghanistan in September 2019 at home. Sabbir's inclusion could also mean the team management could make a change in the opening slot with the aggressive right-hander speculated to open with Miraz in this game.  

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka have one change in Asitha Fernando, who also makes his debut in the format by replacing Matheesha Pathirana.

Playing XI:

Bangladesh: Sabbir Rahman, Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka