Tanzim Sakib debuts as Bangladesh sent to bat first

India captain Rhoit Sharma asked Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan to bat first after winning the toss of the last match of Asia Cup Super Four phase at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday.

Bangladesh were eliminated from the final race following their seven-wicket and 21-run defeat to Pakistan and Sri Lanka in their first two matches.

But they will play to win the match as they want to a winning boost before returning to the country. They, however, made six changes from the side that played last match.

While pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib made a debut for Bangladesh, the team management also brought back opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim who got an axe after a duck in his debut match against Afghanistan. Pacer Mustazifur Rahman and offspinner Mahedi Hasan, batter Anamul Haque Bijoy also returned to the fold.

Naim Sheikh, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam were rested while Mushfiqur Rahim got an extension of his leave due to his wife and new born daughter.

India who had already confirmed final made five changes with Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Shami and Shardul Thakul coming in place of Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya.

"We are going to field first. It is something we haven't done in the tournament, we haven't done it under lights so it gives us an opportunity to bat under lights," Indian Captain Rohit Sharma said explaining his decision to bowl first.

"The wicket honestly has got everything for everyone. Pacers who bend their back in the daytime have also got movement and there have been assistance for the spinners. Got to be brave and play your natural game. We got to give game time to some other guys who haven't played."

Shakib said Bangladesh would put their best in the match as they want to get a boost ahead of the World Cup.

"I was a bit confused to what to do and it's not a bad thing for us to bat first. The guys haven't played much and they will get opportunities. Tanzim is making his debut, so very excited for him. This is an eye-opener for us and we want to do our best before the World Cup," he said.

Line Ups:

Bangladesh: Liton Das(w), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Anamul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan(c), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Patwari, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Mustafizur Rahman

India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami and Prasidh Krishna.

Source: BSS