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Bangladesh suffer thumping defeat in Asia Cup Vs. S Lanka
Bangladesh encountered a resounding six-wicket defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka in their inaugural match of the Asia Cup on Thursday in Kandy.
Opting to bat first, Bangladesh crumbled to 164 runs for the loss of all wickets in 42.4 overs.
In response, Sri Lanka adeptly chased down the target with six wickets to spare in 39 overs.
While Bangladesh displayed commendable fielding, their meager total proved insufficient to mount a formidable challenge against the hosts.
Bangladesh captain, Shakib Al Hasan, in a post match briefing attributed the defeat to the batting line-up, squarely placing the responsibility on the shoulders of the batters.
"While it wasn't a wicket that promised 300 runs, we needed a minimum of 220-230 runs on the board to give them a formidable fight," he said. "The bowlers performed admirably, but our runs were inadequate."
Matheesha Pathirana emerged as the chief tormentor, clinching four wickets as Bangladesh chose to bat first. Collaborating with fellow bowlers, he made it an arduous task for Bangladesh to maintain a steady scoring pace.
Najmul Hossain Shanto stood out as the sole Bangladeshi batter who demonstrated resilience in the middle. He managed to compile 89 runs off 122 deliveries. However, his teammates failed to provide meaningful support.
Debutant opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim faced a swift reality check with a two-ball duck, while Mohammad Naim, the other opener, struggled to surmount the initial hurdle.
Najmul's arrival at the crease, batting at number three, aimed to anchor one end. Yet, from the other end, the batters arrived and departed hastily, leaving a trail of disappointment in the dressing room.
Shakib’s contribution remained limited to five runs, and though Mushfiqur Rahim and Towhid Hridoy reached double-digit scores, they faltered to sustain their innings. Ultimately, Bangladesh stumbled, tallying a meager 164 runs.
In response, Sri Lanka encountered an early setback, losing two quick wickets to Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam's well-timed breakthroughs. However, this did not deter their journey towards victory.
Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis were swiftly dismissed after scoring 1 and 5 runs respectively. Nevertheless, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka both notched half-centuries, leaving Bangladesh frustrated.
Shakib secured two wickets, while Taskin, Shoriful Islam, and Mahedi Hasan each claimed one wicket.
The victory marked Sri Lanka's 11th consecutive win in ODIs, in stark contrast to Bangladesh's third defeat in their last six matches.
Samarawickrama, who hit a half-century, acknowledged the challenging nature of the pitch but emphasized his self-belief and determination to persist. "I had faith in my abilities," he declared. "Despite losing two early wickets, we remained steadfast in our approach, we knew the importance of building partnerships."
Following this setback, Bangladesh's prospects of advancing to the Super Fours of the Asia Cup hinge on their performance in the forthcoming match against Afghanistan and the outcome of the match between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. Bangladesh is set to face Afghanistan on September 3rd in Lahore.
Men's Asian 5s Hockey: Bangladesh taste first victory beating Japan by 10-3 goals
Bangladesh Men's Hockey team tasted its first victory in the 11-nation Men's Asian Hockey five-a-side (5s) World Cup Qualifier after conceding three successive defeats, beating Japan by 10-3 goals in Salalah, Oman, on Thursday.
The winners dominated the first half by 4-1 goals.
Also read: Men's Asian 5s Hockey: Bangladesh suffer 3rd consecutive defeat losing to Pakistan, Malaysia
Earlier, Bangladesh was placed in a six-nation elite group with India, Pakistan, Japan, Malaysia, and host Oman, while the five-team challenger group consists of Afghanistan, Iran, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan.
Bangladesh made a frustrating start in the meet, losing to India by 1-15 goals, suffering a 6-15 goals defeat against Pakistan in the second match, and conceding their third defeat in a row, losing to Malaysia by 5-10 goals.
Also read: Men's Asian 5s Hockey: Bangladesh pummelled 15-1 by India
In their 4th group match on Thursday afternoon, Deen Mohammad Emon and Saiful Alam Shisir scored hattricks, scoring three goals each, while Sarowar Murshed Shawon and Abeduddin scored two goals each for Bangladesh.
In the remaining elite group match, Bangladesh is due to play the host Oman on Thursday night at 10 pm at the same venue.
Also read: Asian 5s Hockey: Bangladesh women's team finish 8th
In the newly introduced five-a-side Asian Hockey, Bangladesh scored 22 goals and conceded 43 in the four elite group matches.
Asia Cup: Bangladesh opt to bat first vs Sri Lanka
In their first clash of the Asia Cup, Bangladesh's captain Shakib Al Hasan has won the toss and elected to take the batting against Sri Lanka in Kandy.
Bangladesh included Tanzid Hasan Tamim in the playing XI. The uncapped left-handed batter got his chance as Litton Das, the regular opener, caught a fever and failed to make it to the Asia Cup.
Bangladesh has squared off against Sri Lanka 13 times in Asia Cup ODIs, emerging victorious on just two occasions.
Read: Asia Cup 2023: Preview of Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI
However, these statistics fail to capture the intensity of the rivalry between the two nations. Since the Nidahad Trophy in 2018, held in Sri Lanka, the contest between these two Asian cricketing powerhouses has ascended to new heights.
Yet, on the brink of another showdown in the Asia Cup, the captains from both sides are firmly focused on the present.
Shakib Al Hasan, leading the Bangladesh team, emphasized their commitment to delivering a display of quality cricket for both fans and broadcasters. Meanwhile, Dasun Shanaka, at the helm of the Sri Lankan side, expressed a sentiment of camaraderie and mutual respect between his team and the Bangladeshi cricketers.
Read: Asia Cup 2023: Preview of Pakistan vs Nepal 1st ODI
Bangladesh (Playing XI): Mohammad Naim, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan(c), Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana
Scoreless for first time in the Lionel Messi era, Inter Miami ties Nashville 0-0
Inter Miami failed to score for the first time since Lionel Messi joined the team, playing a scoreless draw with Nashville on Wednesday night.
Messi failed to convert two free kick attempts in his first Major League Soccer match at home, and it was the first time during his Inter Miami tenure that he was kept off the score sheet.
Read: Messi violates MLS media rules by not speaking with reporters after debut
Inter Miami still earned a point in the standings as it looks to make a late-season playoff push. Miami entered the game 11 points shy of the MLS playoff line and needing to move up from 14th to ninth place to make the playoffs.
Miami had won its previous nine matches as Messi's addition gave the team an immediate boost. He has scored 10 goals, including three multi-goal performances.
Messi started the game Wednesday along with former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets after the two entered Miami's previous match against the New York Red Bulls in the 60th minute.
Miami had no shots on goal Wednesay through the first 60 minutes as the team struggled to break through Nashville's defense.
Messi attempted a free kick in the 60th minute after drawing a foul on Nashville's Dax McCarty, but the shot to the bottom-left corner was stopped by Elliot Panicco.
Still, Inter Miami fans took out their phones to record the free kick, just in case the seven-time Ballon d'Or delivered another goal similar to the one in his debut — when he scored in the 94th minute to give Miami a win over Mexican Club Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup opener.
Read: Messi converts PK, assists on 2 goals, leading Miami past MLS-best Cincinnati in US Open Cup semi
Nahsville's Hany Mukhtar had a goal erased by an offside call in the 69th minute.
Messi got another chance in the 83rd minute, but the shot bounced off the wall of defenders.
The two teams met 10 days ago in the Leagues Cup final. Messi scored early in regulation and converted the first shot in penalty kicks, and Miami won after an 11-round penalty kick shootout for its first ever trophy.
Read: Messi leads Inter Miami to first ever trophy in Leagues Cup final
Messi and Inter Miami players posed with co-owner Jorge Mas on the field Wednesday with the Leagues Cup trophy for the first time in front of their home fans.
Men's Asian 5s Hockey: Bangladesh suffer 3rd consecutive defeat losing to Pakistan, Malaysia
Bangladesh Men's Hockey team suffered its third consecutive defeat in the 11-nation Men's Asian Hockey five-a-side (5s) World Cup Qualifier, losing to Pakistan and Malaysia on the second day of the meet held in Salalah, Oman, on Wednesday.
Bangladesh suffered a 6-15 goals defeat against Pakistan in their second Elite Group match Wednesday afternoon and conceded their third defeat in a row, losing to Malaysia by 5-10 goals Wednesday evening.
Also read: Men's Asian 5s Hockey: Bangladesh pummelled 15-1 by India
Earlier, Bangladesh made a start in the Asian Hockey Meet with a 15-1 goals defeat against their giant rivals India in the first match at the same venue on Tuesday evening.
Also read: Asian 5s Hockey : Bangladesh Women' s team concede 7-10 goal defeat against Hong Kong
Bangladesh was placed in the six-nation Elite Group with India, Pakistan, Japan, Malaysia, and hosts Oman, while the five-team Challenger Group consists of Afghanistan, Iran, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan.
Also read: Asian 5s Hockey: Bangladesh women's team finish 8th
In the remaining elite group matches, Bangladesh will play Japan on Thursday (August 31) at 2 pm and host Oman on Thursday (August 31) at 10 pm at the same venue.
Bangladesh U-16 football team reaches Bhutan
Bangladesh's U-16 football team reached Bhutan on Wednesday afternoon to compete in the six-nation South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-16 Championships to be held in Thimphu from September 2–10.
All the players and officials of the Bangladesh team are in sound health in the Bhutanese capital Thimphu, and the team will start their practise session on Thursday after a recess on Wednesday.
Read: Bangladesh U-16 Football team to fly Bhutan Wednesday to compete SAFF U-16 Champs
But the fixture of the tournament has partly been changed in the dying moments, deferring a day, according to a BFF media release on Wednesday.
Earlier, Bangladesh was placed in three-team stronger Group A with India and Nepal, while Group B teams comprise the Maldives, Pakistan, and hosts Bhutan.
According to the revised fixture, Bangladesh will now play India on September 2 at 3pm local time instead of September 1, while they will meet Nepal on September 4 instead of Sept 3 at 7pm, both at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu.
Read: Afghanistan Football team in Dhaka to play two FIFA Int'l Friendlies with Bangladesh
After the group matches, the top two teams from each of the two groups will play in the semifinals on September 8 instead of September 7, while the final match will be held as per the previous schedule on September 10 at 6 pm.
Bangladesh's team comprises 23 booters and seven officials.
Members of the Bangladesh team: Goal Keeper: Nahidul Islam, Abdur Rahman, and Alif Rahman Imtiaz;
Defenders: Ashiqur Rahman, Ismail Hossen, Abu Rayhan Shawon, Mohammad Delwar, Imdadul Haque, Imran Khan, Saim Omith, Sheikh Sangram and Mithu Chowdhury ;
Midfielders: Kamal Mridha, Abdullah Junaid Chistry, Arman Miah and Nazmul Huda Faysal (Captain);
Forwards: Abu Sayed, Mohammad Ripon, Murshed Ali,MH Mohibbullah, Mohammad Manik, Salahuddin Shahed and Swe Mong Sing Marma.
Read: Jamal Bhuiyan leads Sol de Mayo to victory in memorable debut
Team officials: Team Manager -Mohidur Rahman Miraj, Head Coach -Saifur Rahman Moni, Assistant Coach-Abul Hossain, Goal Keeping Coach- Shah Alam Tutul, Physio -KM Shakib, Team Doctor- Mohammad Atiquzzaman and Media Officer - Saeed Hasan.
Tigers Set to Commence Asia Cup Campaign Against Sri Lanka on Thursday
Bangladesh is poised to commence their Asia Cup journey with a faceoff against Sri Lanka in Kandy on Thursday.
Leading up to the Asia Cup, Bangladesh was dealt a dual blow with the loss of key bowler Ebadot Hossain and top-order batter Litton Das, both ruled out due to injuries.
Read: Asia Cup 2023: Preview of Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI
Ebadot underwent surgery for a knee injury sustained during an ODI against Afghanistan earlier this year at home. Meanwhile, Litton was unable to secure a spot in the squad due to a bout of fever.
However, the newly inducted captain of Bangladesh’s ODI team remains unperturbed by the absentees. The captain expressed full confidence in securing a berth in the Super Fours with the current lineup.
Replacing Ebadot is Tanzim Hasan Sakib, an uncapped player. In an unexpected move, the Bangladeshi selectors included Anamul Haque Bijoy to fill the void left by Litton.
Read: Litton Das Ruled out of First Match Due to Fever
While Sakib's inclusion was rational, Anamul's selection raised eyebrows. He wasn't part of the contingent undergoing training under the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) program to provide backup players when needed.
Describing Litton's absence as a significant loss, Bangladesh captain Shakib commented, "He consistently performed well for us over the past few years. However, this presents a golden opportunity for someone else, who I'm confident will seize it."
As for Anamul's inclusion, Shakib cited the logic of a right-hand-left-hand combination at the top of the order. Zakir, who was training with the backup players, appeared as the natural choice, given Litton's illness. Yet, selectors opted for Anamul, citing the need for a wicketkeeper.
“Both Anamul and Litton bat in the top-order. In case something happens to Mushfiqur Rahim during the game, like a concussion or a minor injury, forcing him out of keeping, we needed coverage,” Shakib added.
Read: Bangladesh Cricket Team Departs for Asia Cup Without Liton Das
Shakib emphasized excelling in all facets of the game rather than fixating on a single position.
Since the notable Nidahas Trophy in 2018, Bangladesh's rivalry with Sri Lanka has intensified. Shakib, however, described the atmosphere in the dressing room as more composed. "While not a rivalry, we deliver impressive cricket when these two nations compete. It's a positive display for both the crowd and broadcasters."
Bangladesh has emerged as a formidable 50-over side. Despite India and Pakistan frequently being named as top contenders for the Asia Cup, the captain remains unfazed by such considerations.
Bangladesh boasts a record of nine victories in 51 ODIs against Sri Lanka. In recent years, they've become potent challengers. Still, Shakib recognizes the difficulty of playing against Sri Lanka on their home turf.
Read: Bangladesh aim a Super Fours berth in Asia Cup
The match is scheduled to commence at 3:30 pm (Dhaka time). It will be broadcast live on T-Sports, as well as on the OTT platform Toffee and the smartphone app MyGP.
Bangladesh Asia Cup squad: Shakib Al Hasan (Captain), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Naim, Shamim Hossain, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Anamul Haque Bijoy//
Captain Jamal Bhuyan arrives Dhaka from Argentina
Captain of Bangladesh National Football team Jamal Bhuyan arrived Dhaka from Argentina on Wednesday (August 30) to play two FIFA Tier-1 International Friendly matches against Afghanistan here.
Bangladesh national team will play two FIFA Tier-1 International Friendlies against Afghanistan on August 4 and 7 at the Bashundhara Sports Arena in the capital as a part of their preparation for the World Cup Qualifiers against the Maldives in October.
After about one and half day journey, Jamal Bhuyan reached the capital Wednesday morning and directly moved his residence for taking rest.
He is expected to join the national team camp Wednesday (August 30) evening as the national team have no official on field practice session on the day.
Earlier, Jamal Bhuyan leads his new Argentine club Sol de Mayo to victory in a memorable debut last Sunday, getting on the score sheet too in the process.
Read: Jamal Bhuiyan leads Sol de Mayo to victory in memorable debut
Jamal Bhuiyan was honoured with the captain's armband for his team in the Argentine Torneo Federal A League (3rd division league) match, as Sol de Mayo beat Germinal 2-1.
With this victory, Jamal's club Sol de Mayo advanced to 5th place in the nine-team league.
He scored a goal for his team in the 81st minute from a penalty after his Argentine team mate Fernando Valdebenito opened the account in the first half.
Germinal reduced the margin just three minutes before the final whistle.
Read more: Bangladesh Football Team Captain Jamal Bhuiyan becomes brand ambassador of National STEAM Olympiad 2023
However, Jamal Bhuyan will leave Dhaka for Argentina soon after playing the 2nd FIFA International Friendly against Afghanistan on September 7 to play the next match of his Argentine team (Sol de Mayo) against Olimpo on September 9.
Asia Cup 2023: Preview of Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI
The 2023 Asia Cup is in full swing, and now it’s time for the Group B matches to begin. Two strong teams from South Asia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, are getting ready to face each other. The Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka match will take place on August 31 at 3:30 pm at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. While the Bangladesh team is aiming to win their first-ever Asia Cup, the Sri Lankan side is the second most successful team after India. However, Bangladesh have good records against Sri Lanka in recent matches. Let’s see more in this BAN vs SL 1st ODI Asia Cup 2023 match preview.
Preview of Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup 2023 ODI
Banglades selected a team of 17 players two weeks ago. Among them, five players – Tawhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib – were part of the Under-19 World Cup-winning team in 2020. Ebadot Hossain was initially included in the squad, but he won’t be able to play due to a lingering injury. Unfortunately, the 29-year-old fast bowler had to withdraw from the tournament. On the other hand, experienced all-rounder Mahmudullah, despite taking part in the preliminary fitness camp, has once again not been included in the Bangladesh team.
Litton Das was supposed to go to Sri Lanka later as he was suffering from viral fever. But he was ruled out of the Asia Cup 2023 as he is not fit yet and has no chance to play in any of the matches. Hence, the Bangladesh Cricket Board needed to do a swift reshuffle in the Bangladesh squad. Anamul Haque Bijoy has been included in the team as Litton’s replacement. With a wealth of experience under his belt, Anamul has participated in 44 ODIs, amassing a total of 1254 runs, which includes three centuries. His most recent appearance in a Bangladesh ODI was in December 2022 when he took on India on the cricket field.
The Sri Lankan team had to make changes to their original Asia Cup squad because of injuries to Dilshan Madhushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Lahiru Kumara. This is a major setback for Sri Lanka’s bowling team because these four players are really important for the head coach Chris Silverwood’s plans and strategies to win. The team is currently facing fitness issues with these players, and that’s why they haven’t yet chosen new players to replace them or officially declared the final squad.
Read more: Prospects of Bangladesh in 2023 Asia Cup ODI Tournament
Bangladesh’s Probable XI
Anamul Haque Bijoy, Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman.
Sri Lanka’s Probable XI
Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sahan Arachchige, Dasun Shanaka, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana and Kasun Rajitha.
Read more: Asia Cup 2023 Fixtures: Team List, Schedule, and Venues
Recent Performance of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka
After winning 2-0 in a series against Ireland on foreign soil, the Bangladesh cricket team came back home in June 2023 to play a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. However, things didn’t go well for the Tigers in this series. They faced a painful defeat on their home ground, losing both of the first matches. Bangladesh’s previous Asia Cup journey was also disappointing. In the last tournament, they couldn’t even win a single match in the group stage, which led to their elimination.
In contrast, Sri Lanka had a really good time in the 2022 Asia Cup. They did very well and became the champions of this important tournament for the first time since 2014. The Sri Lankan team’s most recent 50-over match was in July 2023, when they went to Zimbabwe to take part in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers. They won this qualification title convincingly by beating the Netherlands by 128 runs, and they were unbeatable throughout the tournament.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Head to Head Records So Far
Both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are seen as top teams in one-day international cricket these days. However, when they have played against each other, Sri Lanka were usually much stronger. Sri Lanka have been clearly in control against Bangladesh, winning 40 times. While Bangladesh have shown improvement in recent times, they have won only 10 out of the 51 matches they have played against Sri Lanka.
Read more: Asia Cup 2023: Six Players in Bangladesh ODI Squad to Watch
Key Players of BAN vs SL 1st ODI Match in the 2023 Asia Cup
Shakib Al Hasan
The Bangladesh team still depends a lot on this experienced all-rounder because of his remarkable skills. Despite being 36 years old, he was among the top 5 players for both runs scored and wickets taken in the series against Afghanistan. He was the only Bangladeshi bowler who managed to take at least one wicket in all three matches.
The Bangladesh team has many young players, especially in the batting lineup. So, it’s going to be crucial for the captain to bring stability to the team’s performance in the middle of the game. And Shakib is fully capable of that.
Maheesh Theekshana
With the star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga not available, the responsibility of leading Sri Lanka’s spin attack will fall on the shoulders of this 23-year-old off-break bowler.
Read more: Asia Cup 2023: Analysis of Bangladesh ODI Squad
Theekshana had a fantastic performance in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers. He took 21 wickets in just 8 matches, making him the second-most successful bowler in the tournament. His average was really low at 12.19 runs per wicket. He even achieved a hat-trick of 4-wicket hauls in the final match against the Netherlands. He had previously accomplished this against Zimbabwe and West Indies as well.
Who Will Win?
Sri Lanka’s challenge in putting together their best bowling lineup could give Bangladesh’s batting team a chance to go on the offensive. But even with this, Sri Lanka is in a good position with a higher chance of winning. They have the advantage of being in good form and playing on their home ground.
Final Words
Sri Lanka are the current champion of the Asia Cup. Lately, Sri Lanka have been doing really well in ODI cricket. They performed incredibly well in the ICC Men’s World Cup Qualifiers, where they didn’t lose any matches and ended up winning the tournament. Because of this, the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh match will be highly competitive, as the Bangladesh team is also in good form. Although Bangladesh came from a 2-1 loss against Afghanistan, the Tigers seem to be confident before leaving for Asia Cup 2023.
Read more: Predictions: Who will win Asia Cup 2023?
Anamul included in Bangladesh’s Asia Cup squad as Litton ruled out
Bangladesh's opening batsman, Litton Das, has been ruled out of the ACC Asia Cup 2023 due to an unfortunate bout of viral fever. His absence has prompted a swift reshuffle in the Bangladesh squad, with Anamul Haque Bijoy stepping in as his replacement.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the development on Wednesday morning (August 30, 2023).
The opener's inability to travel to Sri Lanka with the Tigers’ Asia Cup squad and his ongoing struggle to overcome the lingering fever have ultimately led to his withdrawal from the much-awaited competition.
Litton Das Ruled out of First Match Due to Fever
The National Selection Panel of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has called upon Anamul, a 30-year-old right-handed batter, to fill the void left by Litton.
An experienced campaigner, Anamul boasts an impressive track record, having featured in 44 ODIs and accumulating 1254 runs, including three centuries. His latest appearance in an ODI match for Bangladesh dates back to December last year when he faced India on the field.
Asia Cup 2023: Preview of Pakistan vs Nepal 1st ODI
Minhajul Abedin, Chairman of BCB’s National Selection Panel, shared insights into the thought process behind Anamul’s selection. "He (Anamul) has been in the runs in domestic cricket, and we have continued to monitor him in the Bangladesh Tigers programme. He was always in our consideration," Minhajul remarked.
Minhajul went on to explain, "Due to Litton’s unavailability, we needed a top-order batter who could keep wicket, and Anamul got the nod."
Bangladesh will take on Sri Lanka on August 31 in their opening Asia Cup match in Kandy. Following that, they will travel to Pakistan to play their second Asia Cup match against Afghanistan.
ICC World Cup 2023 Warm-up Schedule: Full fixture list, match timings and venues
Bangladesh squad for 2023 Asia Cup:
Shakib Al Hasan (Captain), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Naim, Shamim Hossain, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Anamul Haque Bijoy