It will be a battle of bowlers with Sri Lanka being led by their dashing captain Lasith Malinga, who rocked the opposition with a four-wicket haul.
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India eased past its victory target with a total of 142-5 in 19.2 overs after Sri Lanka, which was sent in to bat first, reached 138-9.
Pakistan needs to win today if they want to stay alive in the tournament and as would Bangladesh also.
While the return of Tamim Iqbal is lauded by one and all, Bangladesh will be without Mustafizur Rahman.
Dhaka: 8th match of Asia Cup 2016 will be played today between Pakistan and Bangladesh at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka. But they bounced back with back-to-back wins against the United Arab Emirates and holders Sri Lanka in the following matches.
Pakistan will take on Bangladesh in a match it must win to secure a position in the Asia Cup Twenty20 finals.
His opening partner Dinesh Chandimal (37) and incoming batsman Shehan Jayasuriya (26) held on to help team’s score past the 70-run mark. “After that loss, we were able to regroup quickly and come up with good performances” he said. Sri Lanka did not play Thisara Perera in the last match but considering the conditions and his all-round abilities, Malinga might think of dropping a pacer and including Perera in the line-up to bolster the batting.
Rahman picked up the injury during the victory against Sri Lanka and the Bangladesh team physiotherapist, Bayjedul Islam Khan revealed that it was a Grade 1 strain.
Sri Lanka started solidly in reply, but wilted as the rate required increased, with Shakib Al Hasan and Al Amin Hossain the stars with the ball for the hosts. “We are practising hard and moving forward and if we can do our things right, we have a bright chance”, said Mashrafe.
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Pakistan were rocked by some super bowling from UAE skipper Amjad Javed in the first spell as he notched up three wickets. Virat Kohli, however, smashes 49 off 51 balls while Yuvraj Singh hit an unbeaten 14 off 32 balls to give India their second consecutive win in the Asia Cup 2016. Though Mustafizur did not play ODIs, he did play the T20I and took 2 for 20 from 4 overs.
