Asia Cup 2022: Match 5 – Predicted Bangladesh Playing XI vs Sri Lanka

Bangladesh will be locking horns with Sri Lanka in the fifth match of Asia Cup 2022  at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, September 1. Both teams are coming into this contest, having suffered humiliating defeats against an in-form Afghanistan. While the Bangladeshis suffered a seven-wicket loss, the Lankans were handed an eight-wicket defeat by the Mohammad Nabi-led side.

This is a virtual knockout match in Group B where the equation is simple. The winner advances to the Super 4 whereas the losing team will be eliminated and therefore, there is so much at stake for these two sides. Bangladesh, who are the runners-up of the last two editions of the continental tournament, must come out with their A-game in order to prolong their stay in the UAE. While the Shakib Al Hasan-led side might not be in good form in T20Is, they can spring a surprise on any opposition on their day which is why Sri Lanka need to be extremely cautious.

Without further ado, here’s the predicted XI of Bangladesh against Sri Lanka.

Openers: Mohammad Naim and Anamul Haque

The onus would yet again be on the opening pair of Mohammad Naim and Anamul Haque to provide a brisk start for Bangladesh. However, the scenario this time is extremely difficult as it is a must-win encounter and these two need to fire all cylinders at all costs. Mohammad Naim had a poor outing in the last game where he was dismissed for just six runs.

Anamul Haque on the other hand also failed to make an impact just like his opening partner Naim as even he was bamboozled by Afghanistan  mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman with only five runs against his name. Anamul would now be hoping to make amends by providing a solid platform for his side.

Middle-Order: Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah and Atif Hossain

Even though Bangladesh have a relatively experienced middle-order only one of them could offer some resistance in what was otherwise a forgettable performance. Wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim was trapped plumb in front of the wicket by leggie  Rashid Khan for just a single.

Even Atif Hossain was bamboozled by Rashid for 12 which left Bangladesh reeling at 53/5. Hossain would now need to showcase his capability of being a solid finisher against Sri Lanka.

Mahmudullah Riyad on the other hand tried to fight hard scoring a crucial 25, but his stay at the crease could not prolong for too long and Bangladesh were eventually restricted to a below par 127/7. Riyad would be hoping to execute his slog-hitting abilities to perfection against the Lankans.

All-Rounders: Shakib Al Hasan (c) and Mosaddek Hossain

Bangladesh’s newly appointed T20I skipper Shakib Al Hasan is the leading wicket-taker in this format and also has the reputation of playing game-changing knocks in the middle and death overs. However, he looked ordinary against Afghanistan where he was castled by Mujeeb Ur Rahman for 11 and also could only manage the wicket of Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

Mosaddek Hossain on the other hand was Bangladesh’s savior with both the bat and and ball. His vital unbeaten 31-ball 48 helped the last edition’s finalists post a decent total of 127/7 on the board and he also chipped in with the ball in hand by accounting for Hazratullah Zazai.

Bowlers: Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

Mahedi Hasan Miraz went wicketless in the last game against Sri Lanka. However, he is known for his ability to provide vital breakthroughs with his amazing spin bowling. Mohammad Saifuddin picked up the wicket of Afghanistan skipper Mohammad Nabi in the last game and is known for being  Bangladesh’s death overs specialists with the ability to bowl yorkers consistently.

Taskin Ahmed did not enjoy any success in the last encounter, but the experienced pacer has the potential of providing unexpected setbacks to the opposition. Pace spearhead Mustafizur Rahman also went wicketless in the previous fixture. Nonetheless, the left-arm speedster is known for his reputation of deceiving the batters with his outstanding cutters.

Here’s Bangladesh Predicted Playing XI:

Mohammad Naim, Anamul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan(c), Afif Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Mosaddek Hossain, Mahmudullah, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman