The main event of the Asia Cup begins today with the Asian cricketing nations looking to build some momentum ahead of the World T20. For the first time in the Asia Cup history the tournament will be played in Twenty20 format, which will be opened with the match between Bangladesh and India at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium today. The match starts at 7.30 pm and will be broadcasted live by several television channels around the world-- Star Sports (India), Geo  Super, PTV Sports (Pakistan), MTV Sports (Sri Lanka), Channel 9 (Bangladesh), Willow TV (USA), SuperSport (South Africa).
The tournament is believed to serve as a prelude and a preparatory campaign for all participating teams, ahead of ICC World T20 2016. UAE join the four Asian giants- Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan—after beating three other nations convincingly in the qualifier.
Considering a good start could give them the momentum, Bangladesh looks to start the tournament with winning note. While they were considered whipping boys once upon a time, they have been steadily improving in limited-overs cricket and have made the home ground a fortress. With wins over South Africa, India, Zimbabwe and Pakistan in the 50-over format last year, they have every reason to be confident. Bangladesh however couldn’t make them a team to reckon with as yet in T20 format.
“We have been struggling in T20 format, to be honest. But it’s a new tournament and we are well prepared. As I said earlier we are looking forward to this tournament,” said Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza.  “If you look at our rankings it’s not that good but we have to step up from here.”
Mashrafe wasn’t fazed by the formidable batting line up of India who have been in tremendous form in this format at the moment. “India’s batting is a challenge for any team in any format. We have to bowl very confidently and no fear and have to play with some sort of freedom. We are very confident that we will do our best.” Last time India visited in Bangladesh, they were greeted by fiery pacer Mustafizur Rahman and ended up losing their first series to Bangladesh. Mustafizur’s deadly cutter and slower still remains mystery and for the Indian batsmen it would be the challenge to decode him. “As a batsman you get more competitive saying that I need to prepare differently and tackle him differently, so it improves your own game. He has bowled really well and he is obviously going to be a big factor for Bangladesh in the tournament,” Indian vice-captain Virat Kohli heaped praise on Mustafizur. Kohli however doesn’t take any team lightly. “Every team is as dangerous in the T20 format. I don’t think any particular team holds the advantage. On that day anyone can beat anyone. We are not looking at any team as major threats, we are going to take the challenge very similarly be it any team around the world.” Meanwhile, the trophy of the five-nation tournament was unveiled at a hotel in the capital yesterday. Barring Pakistan, captains of other four teams were present during the unveiling ceremony. Shahid Afridi led Pakistan team is due in Dhaka today.