Asian nations prepare for World Cup

This month\'s Asia Cup will provide the region\'s cricket nations with an ideal preparation ahead of the World Cup to be played on the subcontinent in just eight months time.



Host Sri Lanka join India, Pakistan and Bangladesh at the central town of Dambulla for the region\'s top limited-overs tournament starting tomorrow.



India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will co-host the cricket World Cup from February 2011.



Sri Lanka play Pakistan in the opening match and all four teams will play six preliminary, round-robin games ahead of the June 24 final.



Sri Lanka, a winner of four Asia Cups including the previous two editions in 2004 and 2008, have dropped veteran batsman Sanath Jayasuriya and spin bowler Ajantha Mendis due to poor form.