Sri Lanka made a flying start to their Asia Cup 2025 campaign, crushing Bangladesh by six wickets in the Group B clash at Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Saturday.
Chasing a modest 140-run target, the Islanders overpowered the Bangladeshi bowling attack, reaching 142 for four in the 15th over.
The result marked a dominant opening statement from Charith Asalanka’s side, who showed no hesitation after opting to bowl first earlier in the day.
Bangladesh, invited to bat, faltered early as openers Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain departed without scoring. Skipper Litton Das (28) tried to rebuild but lacked support.
Towhid Hridoy (8) was run out cheaply, while Mahedi Hasan (9) fell lbw.
Middle-order pair Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain, however, rescued the innings with a crucial 86-run stand.
Shamim struck 42 off 34 balls, while Jaker remained unbeaten on 41 off 34 deliveries, guiding Bangladesh to 139 for 5 at 6.95 runs per over.
Wanindu Hasaranga led Sri Lanka’s attack with 2 for 25, while Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera took one wicket each.
At the toss, Asalanka said his decision to field first was based on the freshness of the pitch. He confirmed Hasaranga’s return to the side and said Sri Lanka were playing a 7–4 combination with three all-rounders.
Bangladesh skipper Litton Das, meanwhile, expressed confidence in batting first, saying the surface looked good for runs.
Sri Lanka’s aggressive reply, however, quickly flattened those hopes, leaving Bangladesh winless in their second group game after having earlier beaten Hong Kong.
Bangladesh squad: Litton Das (captain, wk), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Mehidy Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mohammad Saifuddin.
Sri Lanka squad: Charith Asalanka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamal Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesa Pathirana.
