Sri Lanka began their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with an emphatic six-wicket win over Bangladesh at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The Lankans showcased a complete all-round performance, combining disciplined bowling with clinical batting to chase down Bangladesh’s target of 140 in just 14.4 overs.
Bangladesh Struggle Against Sri Lankan Bowlers
Bangladesh, led by skipper Litton Das, were rocked early as Sri Lankan pacers Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera produced fiery opening spells. Remarkably, both bowlers delivered wicket-maidens, making Sri Lanka only the second team in T20I history to open an innings with two consecutive maiden overs.
At 53/5, Bangladesh were staring at a collapse, but a fighting partnership between Jaker Ali (41)* and Shamim Hossain (42)* steadied the ship. The pair added 86 runs for the sixth wicket — a record stand for Bangladesh in Asia Cup T20Is — helping their side reach a modest 139/5 in 20 overs.
Key contributions:
Litton Das (28 off 26)
Jaker Ali (41* off 34)
Shamim Hossain (42* off 34)
Sri Lanka’s bowling heroes:
Wanindu Hasaranga – 2/20
Nuwan Thushara – 1/17 (4 overs)
Dushmantha Chameera – 1/17 (4 overs)
Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara Lead the Chase
Chasing 140, Sri Lanka lost Kusal Mendis (3) cheaply, but opener Pathum Nissanka anchored the innings with a classy 50 off 34 balls, laced with six boundaries. He found strong support in Kamil Mishara, who capitalized on a dropped chance to score a quickfire 46 off 32 balls*.
Despite losing Kusal Perera (9) and skipper Dasun Shanaka (13), Sri Lanka never looked troubled. Charith Asalanka (10)* ensured a smooth finish as the team cruised home with 5.2 overs to spare, finishing at 140/4.
Match Summary
Result: Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Man of the Match: Pathum Nissanka (50 off 34)
Top Scorer (Bangladesh): Shamim Hossain (42* off 34)
Top Scorer (Sri Lanka): Pathum Nissanka (50 off 34)
Best Bowling: Wanindu Hasaranga – 2/20 (4 overs)
Key Talking Points
🔥 Sri Lanka became only the second T20I team to begin with two maiden overs.
💪 Shamim Hossain & Jaker Ali’s 86-run partnership rescued Bangladesh from 53/5.
🌟 Pathum Nissanka’s composed half-century set the tone for Sri Lanka’s chase.
🏆 Wanindu Hasaranga’s all-round brilliance continues to be a key asset for Sri Lanka.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s six-wicket win over Bangladesh was a statement of intent in the Asia Cup 2025. Their pace attack rattled Bangladesh early, and their top order, led by Pathum Nissanka, ensured a confident chase. For Bangladesh, positives came from the partnership between Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain, but their top-order collapse remains a concern.
Sri Lanka will look to build on this momentum as they face tougher opponents ahead, while Bangladesh must regroup quickly to keep their qualification hopes alive.
