Sri Lanka Wins Toss, Elects to Bowl First Against Bangladesh in Asia Cup Clash

Abu Dhabi - Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first against Bangladesh in the fifth match of the Asia Cup Group B today.

The decision to field first was made by Sri Lanka's captain, Charith Asalanka, who stated his choice was based on the new pitch conditions. Asalanka confirmed the team will go with a 7-4 combination, which includes three all-rounders, and noted that Wanindu Hasaranga has returned to the side.

Both teams have made changes to their playing XIs for this crucial match.

• Sri Lanka: The team is fielding two "slingers" in its bowling attack, with Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara both in the lineup. The full XI includes Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (capt), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, and Nuwan Thushara.

• Bangladesh: Shoriful Islam has been brought into the team, replacing Taskin Ahmed. The Bangladesh XI is Pervez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (capt & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam, and Mustafizur Rahman.

The pitch report indicates a fresh surface where chasing a total might be the right strategy. The analysis suggests that a back-of-a-length delivery could be difficult to hit and that hitting with the wind will be advantageous. The pitch is also expected to quicken up at night.

Bangladesh captain Litton Das said he was happy with the outcome of the toss, stating that the pitch "looks like a good surface" to bat on.

The match commentators noted that a major factor in the outcome of the game will be how both teams handle their boundary hitting, as both sides have struggled with it in recent years. This match will be a key test for both teams to see how they perform under pressure on a tricky pitch.