SL vs BAN: Bangladesh Playing XI vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2023, Super Four Match 2 - Predicted

Bangladesh will lock horns with Sri Lanka in the second game of the Super Four in the Asia Cup 2023 on Saturday.

The ongoing Asia Cup 2023 saw four teams qualify for the Super Four. From Group A, India and Pakistan qualified, while Group B had Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Now, the upcoming clash will see a contest between two teams from Group B. It is Sri Lanka against Bangladesh on September 9 (Saturday) at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Bangladesh have already lost against Pakistan and can't afford another loss.

Because a loss against Sri Lanka means the end of the road in this competition. Meanwhile, defending champions Sri Lanka won both of their group matches and will look to start the Super Four with a win. Here we will talk about the predicted playing XI for Bangladesh in the Super Four match against Sri Lanka on Saturday.

SL vs BAN: Bangladesh’s Predicted Playing XI vs Sri Lanka

1. Mohammad Naim:

Mohammad Naim got starts in both games this tournament but couldn't make it big. The left-hander is very important at the top in the absence of Tamim Iqbal. He is an aggressive player by nature and has proven himself in the shorter format. But his ODI numbers are not so good, with an average of 12.33 in seven games. But his team will still rely on him to give them a good start.

2. Mehidy Hasan Miraz:

After scoring a brilliant century against Afghanistan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz had a first-ball duck by a soft dismissal against Pakistan in the last match. That is why Bangladesh struggled in the batting department. Miraz is a key player for this team, whether he is batting at the top or at No. 7. He is in good form and might look to play another big innings against Sri Lanka.

3. Litton Das:

Litton Das joined the team ahead of the last game after recovering from a viral fever. He replaced the injured Najmul Hossain Shanto in the squad. Litton did well with four boundaries against Pakistan but then got out. But he is the best batter for Bangladesh in the current series and has good numbers under his belt. Litton will be eyeing a big score in this must-win clash for his team.

4. Shakib Al Hasan (c):

The captain is the most important member of the team, and that's what Shakib Al Hasan is for Bangladesh. He has been the backbone of the team in both the bowling and batting departments. He struck a free-flowing half-century against Pakistan and made 53 off 57. But in this do-or-die moment, Shakib will be the key for his team with both the bat and the ball.

5. Towhid Hridoy:

Towhid Hridoy showed brilliant form in the Lanka Premier League 2023, which is why he was picked in the Asia Cup squad. He hasn't done justice to his form in this tournament, with 2, 0 and 20 in three innings. Hridoy will be under scanner, and it might take the best out of him. Bangladesh are in a tight situation, and he can be the man to take them out.

6. Mushfiqur Rahim (Wk):

Mushfiqur Rahim has been one of the best performers across formats for his team for more than 15 years now. And he is as important as Shakib is to the team. Mushfiqur was also the top scorer in the last game against Pakistan, scoring 64. But as soon as he got out, Bangladesh lost the plot. But when the situation is tough, he will be key for them in the batting order.

7. Shamim Hossain:

Spin all-rounder Shamim Hossain made his ODI debut in this Asia Cup only. In two games, he has scored 11 and 16. But he hasn't converted those small starts into decent innings. He can also bowl some useful overs in the middle. He can be a game changer, as Sri Lankans might not know him well.

8. Afif Hossain:

With 562 runs in 30 ODIs, Afif Hossain is yet to make it big in 50-over cricket. But he is the only available option for Bangladesh in this tournament for a finisher role. He played two innings and scored 12 and 4 not out. He is especially in the team for scoring quick runs and can do so in pressure situations.

9. Taskin Ahmed:

Taskin Ahmed is Bangladesh's leader of the fast bowling attack. The star pacer has been in good form since last year or so, across formats. He has also picked up six wickets in three matches this season, including 4/44 against Afghanistan in Bangladesh's only win in this tournament. Taskin will be required to take a few wickets upfront to put pressure on Sri Lanka.

10. Shoriful Islam:

Shoriful Islam is another in-form pacer for Bangladesh. Well, this tournament, their bowling has done well; it is just the batting that has struggled. Shoriful has taken five wickets at an average of 16.33 and is doing a great job. He will be required once again against Sri Lanka on Saturday to help Bangladesh stay alive in this tournament.

11. Hasan Mahmud:

Hasan Mahmud hasn't had good games so far and has taken one wicket in two games played so far. But he has had decent numbers in ODIs so far. With 21 wickets in 14 ODI innings, he has proven himself. But he will need to do well in the coming game. He comes to bowl as the first change bowler and bowls well, usually in the middle overs.