Tigers, SL spirited despite injury plagues

Having been hit by injuries of late, both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will begin their quest for regional supremacy today when they face off in their Asia Cup opener in Kandy.

As the competition moves to the 50-over format after Sri Lanka won the T20I title last time, this edition of the Asia Cup has emerged as a platform to gain momentum ahead of this year's ICC ODI World Cup in October.

"The Asia Cup is not a small tournament; it has history and some major games. We are taking this tournament seriously. If we play well here, it will boost our confidence leading up to the World Cup," Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan stated at yesterday's pre-match press conference.

Bangladesh have appeared in the Asia Cup final three times in the last 11 years but are yet to win a title. Emotions have often adversely affected Bangladesh's performance, which Shakib acknowledged was the case in Dubai last year.

The Tigers have suffered major injury setbacks this time, while the hosts were forced to drop two vital players -- leg spinner Wanindu Hasaranga and pacer Dushmantha Chameera -- who were ruled out after being named in the original 15-member squad at the last minute.

Despite the absence of a few key players, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka stated that the reigning champions will not be intimidated by any team this edition.

"We are playing in our backyard, so we have the home advantage. 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," said Shanaka, adding that the hosts are under no form of pressure despite injury worries.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, will have to find the right combination for their crucial campaign opener after opener Liton Das was ruled out at the last minute owing to fever. Anamul Haque Bijoy, a stumper-batter, has already joined the team in Sri Lanka as Liton's replacement.

Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Naim Sheikh, two young openers, remain the team's two specialist starting options. It will be intriguing to watch if skipper Shakib Al Hasan and coach Hathurusingha eventually come up with something innovative.

Shakib and Mushfiqur Rahim will have to shoulder a lot of burden in the Tigers' middle order, while the likes of Najmul Hossain Shanto and Towhid Hridoy will also hold the key in the batting department.

Meanwhile, on the bowling front, Mustafizur Rahman is also suffering from knee problems, and the team management will almost certainly wait until the last minute for the 'Fizz' to be able to include the seasoned seamer in the starting eleven.

Apart from Mustafizur, the pace battery will consist of Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, and a rookie in Tanzim Hasan Sakib, while Shakib and Mehedi Hasan Miraz will lead the spin department.