India to face Bangladesh in opener

Dhaka - The Asian Cricket Council on Friday announced the itinerary for the forthcoming Asia Cup in Dhaka, with India facing host Bangladesh in the opening match on February 24.

The tournament, which will run until March 6, will be held in the Twenty20 international format for the first time and is expected to serve as a warm up for the ICC World Twenty20, to be held in India in March and April.

Afghanistan, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong and Oman will play in a qualifying round for the Asia Cup from February 19 to 22 in Fatullah, on the outskirts of Dhaka.

That will determine the qualifying nation which will join the four Test-playing countries, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Bangladesh will host the event for the fifth time, with all matches scheduled to be held at Dhaka's Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

Itinerary:

Feb 24: Bangladesh vs India at Mirpur

Feb 25: Sri Lanka vs qualifier at Mirpur

Feb 26: Bangladesh vs qualifier at Mirpur

Feb 27: India vs Pakistan at Mirpur

Feb 28: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka at Mirpur

Feb 29: Pakistan vs qualifier at Mirpur

Mar 1: India vs Sri Lanka at Mirpur

Mar 2: Bangladesh vs Pakistan at Mirpur

Mar 3: India vs qualifier at Mirpur

Mar 4: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka at Mirpur

Mar 6: Final at Mirpur