Asia Cup 2023, SL vs BAN: Shakib Al Hasan elects to bat, Dasun Shanaka includes CSK's trump card in Sri Lanka's playing XI

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan won the all-important toss and elected to bat first against Sri Lanka in the second fixture of the 2023 Asia Cup. Bangladesh went in with three pacers and three spinners in the playing XI while Sri Lanka decided to go with two all-rounders and three outright bowlers. Matheesha Pathirana, who has proven himself to be a trump card, was also included in the Islanders' playing XI. 

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
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

The Sri Lanka cricket team faces a major challenge as the Islanders are grappling with injuries to four pivotal players. The most substantial blow comes in the form of leg-spinning all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who is currently recovering from a thigh strain acquired during the Lanka Premier League.

Alongside Hasaranga, fast bowlers Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Madushanka, and Lahiru Kumara are also out due to injuries. Chameera is struggling with a pectoral injury, Madushanka hurt himself in a practice match last week, and Kumara is dealing with a side strain.

These unfortunate circumstances have compelled the team management to make eleventh-hour alterations to the roster. 

Squads:
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Kasun Rajitha, Kusal Perera, Pramod Madushan, Dunith Wellalage, Binura Fernando
Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan(c), Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Afif Hossain, Anamul Haque, Nasum Ahmed, Shamim Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib

MORE ON SPORTS TAK:

Martin Guptill etches his name in the strange list of batters to score a century with just 1 four; check complete list here
'I went to meet Virat Kohli in 2019 World Cup and asked him...': Babar Azam reveals unheard story about his interaction with ex-India captain