Bangladesh to face Sri Lanka in Asia Cup opener

The schedule for Asia Cup-2018 has been released with Bangladesh set to play against Sri Lanka in the opener on September 15 in the United Arab Emirates, International Cricket Council (ICC) reveal the schedule on Tuesday.

The biennial tournament Asia Cup also reverts to its traditional 50-over ODI format this year after opting in 2016 for a Twenty20 competition which India won, BSS reported.

India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are all confirmed participants, with the remaining spot still up for grabs among the UAE, Singapore, Oman, Nepal, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

Group A consists of India, Pakistan and the qualifier while Group B comprises Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super 4 and two teams will then play the final on September 28 in Dubai.

Defending champions India will face rivals Pakistan on September 19 the day after their opening game against the as-yet unconfirmed qualifiers.