India face Bangladesh in Asia Cup opener, play Pak on Feb 27

India open their campaign in the Asia Cup T20 Championship against hosts Bangladesh at the Sher-E-Bangla Stadium, in Mirpur, on February 24, according to the event schedule released on Monday.

The eagerly awaited high-octane clash between India and Pakistan is slated three days later, on February 27, at the same venue.

India's subsequent fixtures are against defending champions Sri Lanka (March 1) and a qualifier, from amongst Afghanistan, UAE, Oman and Hong Kong, on March 3.

Afghanistan take on Hong Kong in a qualifying match in the tournament opener in Fatullah on February 22. The final is on March 6.

The Asia Cup is the only multinational tournament in international cricket apart the International Cricket Council events.

Traditionally played in the 50-over format, this year's edition of the biennial tournament will be played in the T20 format for the first time.

The continental event assumes greater significance this year, as it will allow competing teams to prepare for the ICC World T20, which starts on March 8 in India.

The fixtures: