In a Cricket World Cup year, organisers will be hoping to help the Asian sides get an edge for the event.
Pakistan vs Nepal | Asia Cup | Wednesday 30 August 2023 | Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan | 11:30
Pakistan 1/50 | Draw 25/1 | Nepal 14/1
With Nepal as their opponent in the opening game of the 2023 Asia Cup, Pakistan has prioritised batting depth.
Pakistan has many bowling options available as well with three frontline quicks and three all-rounders who can all bowl decent spin.
The playing XI has seen just a few adjustments from the teams that lined up against Afghanistan in their last ODI in Colombo.
While Saud Shakeel moves out of the lineup, Iftikhar Ahmed takes his place in the middle order for this opening match. Pakistan chose to go with Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, leaving no space for pacer Mohammad Wasim.
Nepalese teenager Gulshan Jha is one of the players to keep an eye on throughout the tournament. Gulshan plays an attacking style of cricket, and his lightning-quick half-century against Ireland in the World Cup Qualifier demonstrated the left-hander’s ability to score a lot of lower-order runs for the Nepalese.
Verdict: Pakistan
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka | Asia Cup | Thursday 31 August 2023 | Pallekelle International Stadium, Kandy | 11:30
Bangladesh 15/10 | Draw 25/1 | Sri Lanka 52/100
Sri Lanka have stepped in as makeshift co-hosts to save the Asia Cup from an India boycott.
They will start their campaign against Bangladesh in Kandy on Thursday.
Sri Lanka will feel they have momentum on their side after a good effort in the World Cup qualifier and an improving team.
Bangladesh on the other hand have their own ascent on the mind after a great Cricket World Cup Super League campaign.
With Wanindu Hasaranga in doubt with injury Sri Lanka will need to get more out of Maheesh Theekshana and his mystery spin.
Experienced quick Taskin Ahmed could be the key man in the Bangladesh squad
Verdict: Sri Lanka
