The 2014 Asian Cup starts tomorrow, with the defending Champions Pakistan opening the tournament against Sri Lanka.
The 50-over tournament lasts just 12 days, with all five sides playing each other in the round robin group format, with the leagues top two sides meeting in a final.
For the first time ever Afghanistan will compete, with their first match on the third day against Pakistan.
Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka
Pakistan haven’t played a one day international this year, however they did edge out Sri Lanka 3-2 in a fantastic five match series towards the end of 2013.
The Champions have named a strong squad, with their bowling line up in particular strong, with the likes of Junaid Khan and Saeed Ajmal the two who can cause the most trouble.
Sri Lanka beat the hosts Bangladesh prior to the tournament and have one of the most in-form batsmen in world cricket right now.
During their second test match with Bangladesh, Kumar Sangakkara scored an amazing 319, and ended the series with an average of 163.33.
The bookmakers have Pakistan as narrow favourites for the game, with Bet365 offering the best odds of a Sri Lanka win.
How the fantastic duo of Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene handle the Pakistan bowling will go along way to determining the winner of the match, so back either of the two named to be Sri Lanka’s top run scorer.
Top tip: Kumar Sangakkara or Mahela Jayawardene to be Sri Lanka top run scorer – 11/4 and 3/1 respectively
Bangladesh vs. India
Both sides go into Wednesday’s game out of form and with key players missing.
Bangladesh narrowly lost both the test and one day series to Sri Lanka, blowing up in the latter, by failing to chase down 181 in the first match.
The hosts will be without the injured Tamim Iqbal and their all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who is banned for first two matches.
India themselves will be without their captain MS Dhoni through injury, meaning Virat Kholi will lead the side.
India hold both the 50 over World Cup and the recent ICC Champions Trophy and are favourites to win Asia Cup this year.
Despite that, they come into the game having been battered by Brendan McCullum and New Zealand in the recent test series.
There is little value in backing India to beat Bangladesh (2/9 to be precise), so back Shikhar Dhawan to score the most runs for India.
Top tip: Shikhar Dhawan top Indian run scorer – 7/2
Tournament betting
Pakistan to win the tournament – 2/1
Sri Lanka to make the final – Evens
Tagged With : Asia Cup • Bangladesh • Cricket • India • Pakistan • Sri Lanka
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