Asia Cup 2025: Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh by six wickets in Abu Dhabi thriller
Chase wrapped up in 14.4 overs; top order leads the way
ABU DHABI – Sri Lanka began their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with an emphatic six-wicket win over Bangladesh in their Group B fixture at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Saturday.
Having won the toss, captain Charith Asalanka elected to field first and his bowlers made the decision pay off immediately. Bangladesh managed to post 139-for-5 in their 20 overs, but key early breakthroughs and tight bowling kept their total from becoming dangerous.
Chasing 140, Sri Lanka’s batsmen were relentlessly efficient. Pathum Nissanka scored a fluent fifty off 34 balls and was ably supported by Kamil Mishara’s unbeaten 46, anchoring the chase and keeping the run-rate in check. They completed the victory in just 14.4 overs, with 5.2 overs to spare, leaving little room for doubt.
Bangladesh collapse
Bangladesh’s innings was never quite settled. After losing two wickets for no runs in the opening overs, the middle overs offered some resistance. Litton Das top-scored with 28 from 26 deliveries. A sixth-wicket stand of 86 between Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain rescued some respectability – both batters remained unbeaten – but by then the platform had slipped away.
Sri Lanka bowlers stepped in at the death. Hasaranga claimed two important wickets, while Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara provided excellent early pace and movement. Extras contributed 11 (including wides and leg byes), showing Bangladesh’s pressure in the field.
Sri Lanka chase
Sri Lanka’s reply was built around the top order. After Mustafizur Rahman dismissed Kusal Mendis early, Nissanka and Mishara combined with calm running and well-timed boundaries to bring the target down. Nissanka’s half-century was aggressive without being reckless; Mishara’s 46 not out ensured a smooth finish, seeing Sri Lanka over the line with more than five overs to spare.
Asia Cup 2025
With this win Sri Lanka improve their T20I head-to-head record against Bangladesh to 13-8. Their Asia Cup T20 meetings are now split 2-1 in Sri Lanka’s favour. For Bangladesh, their hopes of progressing to the Super Four have taken a hit: despite the strong recovery late in their innings, the early collapse proved costly. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will look to build momentum off this result as the tournament progresses.
https://www.travelsdubai.com/13-Sep-2025/asia-cup-2025-dubai-police-issue-safety-advisory-for-india-pakistan-clash