KARACHI: The qualifying rounds of the Asia Cup T20 will be played in the Bangladesh city of Fatullah from Feb 19 to 22, according to a message received here on Monday.

Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Oman and the UAE will compete for the lone spot in the main round featuring the four Asian Test-playing nations.

The main rounds will be played in Mirpur, in the vicinity of Dhaka, from Feb 24 to March 6.

Pakistan will clash arch-rival India in the showpiece match on Feb 27.

It will be the 13th edition of the Asia Cup, the fifth to be held in Bangladesh, and the first to be played in T20 format.

Sri Lanka will be defending their title in the event also featuring Pakistan, India, hosts Bangladesh and a qualifier.

All matches will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur.

The continental event is also serves as a preparations for Asian teams for the ICC World T20 being held in India from March 8.

Asia Cup schedule:

Qualifying round:

Feb 19: Afghanistan vs UAE, Hong Kong vs Oman

Feb 20: Afghanistan vs Oman

Feb 21: Hong Kong vs UAE

Feb 22: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong, UAE vs Oman

Main round:

Feb 24: India vs Bangladesh

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

March 1: India vs Sri Lanka

March 2: Bangladesh vs Pakistan

March 3: India vs Qualifier

March 4: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka

March 6: Final.

Published in Dawn, February 16th, 2016