Asia Cup 2018, Match 1: Bangladesh Predicted XI

Another enthralling edition of the Asia Cup is hours away from commencement and for the first time in the 21st century, UAE will be hosting the prestigious tournament. With some resounding growth over the last half a decade, Bangladesh aim to punch above their weight and go one step ahead of what they achieved the previous edition.

Bangladesh managed to reach the final in the 2016 edition but lost narrowly to India. But the Mashrafe Mortaza led side will be eager to have a bigger impact on the tournament this season having registered some decent results in the last few tours.

In the tournament opener, they will be up against the wounded Sri Lankan side. Ever since the retirement of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, the Lankans’ performance in the Asia Cup has been horrendous. Considering both sides don’t have an edge in terms of team strengths, this will be one exciting battle to witness for the crowd.

Openers – (Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das)

The Bangladeshi stalwart Tamim Iqbal has been in stellar form and is coming into this series on the back of a spectacular show against the Windies. He is Bangladesh’s all-time leading run-scorer and once again will carry the hopes of this optimistic nation.

Liton Das is trying to settle himself in the team as an opener and to do so, he needs to get some good scores in the tournament. The southpaw will not have an easy time against the Lanky Lankan pacers, but it’ll be interesting to see how he copes with the pressure of scoring quick runs and not giving away his wicket.

Middle Order – (Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim (WK), Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain)

Mominul Haque will be batting at number three unless Mushfiqur Rahim is sent ahead of him. Both these players will be used as floaters and depending on the situation, the skipper will decide who will bat at which position.

Another dependable name in the middle order is Mahmudullah, whose numbers don’t exactly reflect how good he has been. Accompanying him is Mosaddek Hossain, who will bat in the lower middle order and will have the responsibility to take their innings through and give it finishing touches.

All-rounders – (Shakib Al Hasan)

Arguably their greatest ever player, Shakib Al Hasan’s contribution to the side is difficult to sum up in words. To win a major trophy for the national team is something he will be eager to achieve and the Asia Cup winner’s medal will be a glorious addition to his tally of awards.

Bowlers – (Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Mehidy Hasan, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman)

Leading the bowling line-up and the side is the dynamic Mashrafe Mortaza, who is highly likely to take up the new ball duties. Mortaza could do nothing the last time when his side lost narrowly to India in the final, but he did play a crucial role in their side’s incredible run.

Mustafizur Rahman is one of those X-factor bowlers every skipper wishes to have. His ability to bowl at the start and in the death overs will come in handy. Mehidy Hasan will be Shakib’s spin partner whilst Rubel Hossain is the other seam bowling option in the side.

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