Asia Cup 2023: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Stats & Preview - Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 2nd Match, Group B

Sri Lanka(SL) and Bangladesh(BAN) are set to commence their clash in the Asia Cup, featuring as the second match of the continental tournament at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka on August 31st.

Sri Lanka enter this Asia Cup contest fresh from a decisive victory in the recent Test series against Pakistan, triumphing with a clean sweep of 2-0. However, the co-host team's Asia Cup squad is facing the absence of key players. Leg-spinning all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is among the four prominent players who will be sidelined due to injuries. Additionally, pacers Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Madushanka, and Lahiru Kumara are also omitted from the squad due to injuries.

In the previous series, Dhananjaya de Silva emerged as a pivotal player for the co-host team, amassing 271 runs with an impressive average of 67.75, featuring one century and two half-centuries. Conversely, in the bowling department, Prabath Jayasuriya has showcased a commendable performance with the spin attack, securing nine wickets across two matches.

On the opposing side, Bangladesh will also enter the Asia Cup 2023 on the back of a recent loss in their ODI series against Afghanistan, conceding the series with a 2-1 score. Just ahead of the Asia Cup Squad announcement, the Bangla Tigers find themselves bereft of key players. First and foremost, Tamim Iqbal is unavailable due to a lingering back injury that has not healed in time. Moreover, he has also relinquished his role as ODI captain. Additionally, bowler Ebadot Hossain has been sidelined due to injury, and Litton Das is ruled out as he has not yet recovered from a viral fever.

In the preceding ODI series, Litton Das displayed a notable performance, accumulating 92 runs across three matches, closely followed by Towhid Hridoy, who scored 89 runs in the same span, showcasing good form. In the bowling department, Shoriful Islam, who participated in a solitary match, secured four wickets, while Shakib Al Hasan claimed four wickets across three matches.

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Pitch & Ground Behaviour:

The 22-yard pitch at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium frequently provides an advantage to bowlers due to the dimensions of the expansive field and the prevailing overcast conditions. This ground is particularly favourable for pacers, given the conducive conditions. Out of the total 33 ODIs played on this ground, the team batting first has emerged victorious in 14 out of 33 matches, while the chasing team has secured victory in 18 out of 33 matches. The average 1st innings score in the 33 ODIs played is 248.

 SL vs BAN Head-to-Head Record in ODIs:

Both sides have met each other 51 times in the ODI format and it’s been completely dominated by Sri Lanka as they have emerged victorious on 40 occasions. Bangladesh has won nine times while the remaining two games ended in no result.

BAN vs SL Top Batting Averages in ODIs at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium:

Among players who have participated in a minimum of ten matches and scored at least 400 runs, Tillakaratne Dilshan boasts the highest average of 78.25 at the Pallekele Stadium. Kumar Sangakkara follows closely with an average of 39.00, and Kusal Mendis secures the next position with an average of 29.92.

BAN vs SL Top Bowling Figures in ODIs at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium:

Mitchell Johnson holds the record for the best bowling performance at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. He achieved figures of 6/31 against Sri Lanka in 2011, contributing significantly to Australia's convincing 7-wicket victory.

BAN vs SL Comparison of Spin vs Pace Success at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium:

Under optimal circumstances, pacers have capitalized on the pitch conditions, accumulating a total of 271 wickets at an average of 31.15 in ODIs. In contrast, spinners have claimed 186 wickets at an average of 34.17 on the same pitch.

SL vs BAN Highest and Lowest Totals:

Sri Lanka (SL):

The highest total against Bangladesh in ODI is 357/9 while their lowest total is 124.

Bangladesh (BAN):

The highest total against Sri Lanka is 324/5 while their lowest total is 76.

Highest and Lowest Totals at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium:

Highest Total :- 363/7 by SA vs SL
Lowest Total :- 70/10 by ZIM vs SL

Top Players to Watch Out For:

Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Dasun Shanaka 

Bangladesh: Taskin Ahmed, Shakib Al Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman

BAN vs SL Predicted XIs:

Sri Lanka :- Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis (WK), Dasun Shanaka (C), Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage ,Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Pramod Madushan

Bangladesh:- Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan (C), Mushfiqur Rahim (WK), Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman