Bangladesh will look to make a confident start in the Asia Cup Super Fours when they take on Sri Lanka at the Dubai Cricket Stadium tomorrow (Sep 20). The match begins at 8:30 pm and will be broadcast live on T Sports and Nagorik TV.

Bangladesh entered the Super Fours with a slice of luck after Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan by six wickets, eliminating the pre-match uncertainty. A victory for Afghanistan would have sent Bangladesh home.

Despite losing to Sri Lanka earlier, Bangladesh kept their campaign alive with a hard-fought eight-run win over Afghanistan in their final group match — a result that boosted their hopes of reaching the final and securing the elusive Asia Cup title after three previous near misses.

To stay in contention for the final, however, Bangladesh must beat Sri Lanka, as they begin the Super Fours without any carry-over points from the group stage.

The Tigers have faced Sri Lanka four times in the past two months, winning a three-match series 2-1 on Sri Lankan soil before suffering a six-wicket defeat in the Asia Cup group stage. Overall, Sri Lanka dominate the head-to-head record, winning 13 of 21 T20 internationals. In Asia Cup history, Sri Lanka have won 15 of 18 encounters, including a 2-1 advantage in the T20 format.

Bangladesh: Liton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Patwari, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Saifuddin.

Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana and Janith Liyanage.

MN/