Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2023: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report, Weather Forecast

Add as a preferred source on Google

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will begin their Asia Cup 2023 campaigns with a first round Group B match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka on Thursday (August 31).

Bangladesh head into the tournament on the back of a disappointing home series loss to Afghanistan, while Sri Lanka come into the continental show-piece tournament on a 10-match unbeaten run, including a ICC World Cup 2023 Qualifier success.

Bangladesh will be led by Shakib Al Hasan, while injury-hit defending champions Sri Lanka will be led by Dasun Shanaka. Both camps have been hit by injury with Lanka losing Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera, while Bangladesh will be without Litton Das and Ebadot Hossain.

This will be Bangladesh's second match in Kandy, where they have won their previous match, while Sri Lanka possess a mixed record of 15 wins and 15 defeats in 31 matches at the venue with one match ending in no result.

With parts of the world witnessing different weather conditions and the wickets also being a key for the match, here is a look at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium pitch report and weather forecast ahead of BAN vs SL, Asia Cup 2023:

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2023 - Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

The wickets at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium have assisted the quick bowlers early on, but have favoured slower bowlers as the game progresses, but going by history, defending a target is a challenge especially under lights with the chasing team enjoying more success.

However, in recent times, the teams have been able to defend totals with four of the last 6 matches ending in favour of the team batting first. Average score batting first at the venue is 248 in men's ODIs with only a few innings crossing the 300-run mark.

In the 33 ODIs at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, 18 matches have been won by the team chasing and 14 by team defending a total. So, the captain winning the toss on Thursday (August 30) may also look to follow the pattern. But will we have a full game?

BAN vs SL: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy Weather Forecast on Thursday, August 31

It is expected to be a cloudy and humid day with a stray thunderstorm. The maximum temperature is expected to be 26° C at the start of the match (3 PM Local Time), but that will reduce to as low as 21° C before the end of play.

Rain Prediction for August 31 in Kandy: There is 40 percent chance of rain and 24 percent chance for a thunderstorm during the day and in the lead up to the match. So, expect some interruption due to weather.

There is prediction for thunderstorm at 7 AM and 1 PM Local Time with a spell of shower around 9 PM Local Time. So, there is chance of a delay in the toss or start of play and possibly an interruption at the closing stages. The overcast conditions, however, could favour quicker bowlers.

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2023 Match Details, Live Streaming & Telecast

Match Date: Thursday, August 31, 2023

Match Start Time: 3 PM IST

On Field Umpires: Paul Wilson (Australia) & Madanagopal Jayaraman (India)

Third Umpire: Richard Illingworth (England)

Telecast Channel: Star Sports 1 SD and Star Sports 1 HD

Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar