Bangladesh to play against India in opening match of Asia Cup

Dhaka: The 2016 edition of the Asia Cup cricket will kick off with Bangladesh taking on India on February 24.

All the matches of the tournament, which is set to be played in the 20-over format for the first time, will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka, reports bdnews24.com.

Although the dates of the first match and the final had been decided some time ago, it was officially declared on Wednesday.

The high-voltage clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan has been scheduled for February 27, which happens to be a Saturday.

The final will be played on March 6.

The tournament will comprise five teams - the Test-playing India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and the top qualifier.

Associates Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Hong Kong will contend for the spot in a qualifying round, which will also be played in Bangladesh from February 19.

Bangladesh will host the Asia Cup for a third successive time and a record fifth time overall.

The 2016 Asia Cup schedule:

Feb 24: Bangladesh vs India

Feb 25: Sri Lanka vs Qualifier

Feb 26: Bangladesh vs Qualifier

Feb 27: India vs Pakistan

Feb 28: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka

Feb 29: Pakistan vs Qualifier

Mar 1: India vs Sri Lanka

Mar 2: Bangladesh vs Pakistan

Mar 3: India vs Qualifier

Mar 4: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka

Mar 6: Final