The 15th edition of the Asia Cup is going up in the United Arab Emirates today. Final on September 11. With the T20 World Cup in Australia ahead, many are looking forward to matching themselves in this T20 tournament of six nations in the heart of the desert.
There are two groups in this tournament of six teams. Group A includes India, Pakistan and qualifiers Hong Kong. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan are in the ‘B’ group.
Today Sri Lanka and Afghanistan face each other in the opening match of the tournament. The match will start at 8 pm Bangladesh time at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Even though T20 is a game of uncertainty, considering the strength and statistics, many consider the Lankans as favorites against Afghanistan.
Who is ahead of the two groups? The cricket world will put the Lankans ahead on paper in the question. But looking at the recent performance, Afghanistan is ahead again.
Sri Lanka has won only one T20 series since 2020. That too against India’s second-tier team. And Afghanistan won 5. Rashid Khan’s team won the T20I series against Ireland, two wins against Zimbabwe, and one draw with Bangladesh.
Afghanistan’s probable XI:
Hazratullah Jazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (captain), Samiullah Shinwari, Rashid Khan, Karim Janat, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Noor Ahmed.
Sri Lanka’s probable XI:
Kushal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Danushka Gunathilaka, Charith Asalanka, Vanuka Rajapaksa, Dhananjaya de Silva/Asen Bandara, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Mahish Thiksana, Mathisa Pathirana, Dilshan Madhushanka.
