After two matches in Dubai, the Asia Cup moves to the UAE capital when five-time champions Sri Lanka take on Afghanistan at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
Here, we look at the talking points ahead of the Group B clash.
SRI LANKA BATSMEN MUST STEP UP
“We only have one lifeline. We have to win it. It’s a do or die game for us.” Those words said by Angelo Mathews during the post-match press conference after their 137-run loss to Bangladesh on Saturday tells you everything about how crucial Monday’s encounter is.
Sri Lanka’s bowling unit wasn’t the reason for the defeat after Lasith Malinga’s four-wicket haul on his return to international cricket but poor fielding and batting were the major reasons for the loss.
Chasing a competitive target of 261, Sri Lanka’s batting frailties showed yet again when Dilruwan Perera’s 29 was one of five double digit scores against the Tigers. The absences of injured batting duo of opener Danushka Gunathilaka and Dinesh Chandimal have made things difficult but they cannot afford to make the same mistake twice as defeat is not an option. If they do, they will be back in Colombo by the time the Super Four stage begins this weekend.
Unfortunately for them, they will be up against a deadly bowling attack including the likes Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman who continue to go from strength to strength in every game they play.
FAMILIAR CONDITIONS FOR AFGHANISTAN
Surprisingly, given their remarkable rise to Test cricket, Afghanistan are only appearing in the Asia Cup for the second time following their 2014 qualification. Back then, they exited in the group stage but this time around, would fancy their chances of making the last-four. It’s not down to the likes of Rashid, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman but their familiarity with UAE conditions.
The Afghans are no strangers to playing in the UAE having played their ‘home’ games at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, while also playing their last four-day international game against the UAE at Abu Dhabi.
While they have the quality to trouble the Sri Lankans, their knowledge of the conditions will be a massive advantage.
Rashid Khan will be a key man for Afghanistan
LIKELY TEAMS:
SRI LANKA: Upul Tharanga, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Thisara Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Amila Aponso and Lasith Malinga
AFGHANISTAN: Mohammad Shahzad, Ihsanullah Janat, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Aftab Alam, Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium
Start: 15:30
