|| Desk Report ||

After finishing the group-round as Group B runners-up, Bangladesh Emerging Team will lock horns with Sri Lanka Emerging Team on Thursday (December 13) in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup semi-final match.

Sri Lanka also finished second in Group A, with India being the toppers, who will face Pakistan in another semi-final clash at the same time.

The knockout games will be held in Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh will face a tough challenge against the hosts after playing all their group matches in Pakistan.

Bangladesh’s batting unit has depended mostly on Mosaddek Hossain in the tournament so far, with the all-rounder totaling 185 runs in three matches. While other batters like Zakir Hasan, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, and Mizanur Rahman have tried to make their mark, skipper Nurul Hasan has failed to put up any substantial innings for the team.

Bangladesh lost their opening group match – where Mosaddek was out for a duck – against the UAE before making a strong comeback in the next two games against Hong Kong and Pakistan, respectively.

The right-hander also handled the bowling duties well, taking five-wickets in those three games.

Young prospect Shoriful Islam has been continuing his impressive run with the ball, topping the wicket-taking charts for Bangladesh with six scalps in the competition. Another youngster Nayeem Hasan has also done well, picking up four wickets in the last two matches.

With Shafiul Islam and Khaled Ahmed also making important contributions, Bangladesh are unlikely to have any problem in their bowling attack.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have reliable batting options in Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Hasitha Boyagoda, and Asela Gunaratne. The quartet were pivotal in earning the team two wins in three group matches.

Kamindu has also taken seven wickets in the group stage, making himself the most important member for the hosting side.

Sri Lanka, the defending champions, will be eager to turn things around after their loss to India in the last group game, while Bangladesh will look to carry their winning momentum into the next game in a bid to seal a spot in the final for the first time.