By Shahzaib • Sun Sep 14 2025
Abu Dhabi, September 13, 2025 — Sri Lanka registered a commanding six-wicket win over Bangladesh in their Group B encounter of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. The match highlighted Sri Lanka’s balanced bowling effort and a composed chase, while Bangladesh struggled to recover from another fragile top-order collapse.
Bangladesh, put in to bat first after Sri Lanka’s skipper Charith Asalanka won the toss, had a shaky beginning. The top order once again failed to deliver as early wickets tumbled against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack. Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana extracted bounce and movement, keeping Bangladeshi batters under pressure. By the halfway mark, Bangladesh were reeling at 57 for 5, with familiar issues of inconsistency haunting them.
However, the middle order provided some resistance. Shamim Hossain and Jaker Ali stitched together an 83-run stand for the sixth wicket, giving Bangladesh hope of a competitive score. Shamim played confidently for his unbeaten 42, while Jaker contributed 41 with timely boundaries. Their partnership ensured Bangladesh finished with a total of 140 for 6 — modest but defendable on a two-paced surface.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers were clinical throughout. Hasaranga ended with two wickets, while Pathirana and Dushmantha Chameera applied pressure during the powerplay. The fielding unit also backed them up, cutting down quick singles and converting half-chances into tight moments for the opposition.
Chasing 141, Sri Lanka’s openers came out with positive intent. Pathum Nissanka, in particular, looked in sublime touch as he struck boundaries on both sides of the wicket. His fluent half-century set the tone, allowing Sri Lanka to keep the required run rate in control. Even after his dismissal, Kamil Mishara held the innings together with an unbeaten 46. His calm approach ensured there were no late hiccups.
Although Bangladesh picked up a couple of wickets through Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam, the target was too small to trouble Sri Lanka’s batters. The island nation completed the chase in just 14.4 overs, securing two vital points and boosting their net run rate.
This result strengthens Sri Lanka’s position in the group stage, giving them an early advantage in the race to the semi-finals. For Bangladesh, the loss adds pressure ahead of their remaining fixtures. Unless their top order finds form quickly, qualification hopes may fade.
Sri Lanka will now look to carry this momentum forward, while Bangladesh must regroup and resolve their batting concerns if they are to stay alive in the tournament.