But even before these setbacks, Sri Lanka were not performing at their best in ODIs this year.

They started the year with a 0-3 defeat to India and then lost to New Zealand 0-2.

The islanders managed to beat Afghanistan at home and then did well in the ICC qualifier in Harare, but their inability to raise their game against top opponents will be a concern for them.

To challenge Bangladesh, the Islanders will need the batting of Pathum Nissanka (687 for 2023), Dimuth Karunaratne (481) and Charith Asalanka (341) – their best batters this year so far.

They will also hope skipper Dasun Shanaka, who has not fired a single shot all year except for a hundred in the match against India, finds his game against Bangladesh.

As for bowling, spinner Mahesh Tikshan (23 wickets in 10 matches in 2023) and pacer Kasun Rajith (14 wickets) will have to make up for the absence of top bowlers.

The only consolation for Sri Lanka may be that Bangladesh too are in the same boat as them.

Bangladesh will be missing the injured Tamim Iqbal, paceman Ebadot Hossain and batter Litton Das, but that is just a speck in the overall picture.

Das was ruled out of the Asia Cup on Wednesday as he failed to recover from a viral fever. Das’ replacement was 30-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Anamul Haque Bijoy.

Bangladesh, usually distinguished by.