Sri Lanka launched their Asia Cup 2025 campaign in style with a commanding six-wicket win over Bangladesh at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Saturday.
Pathum Nissanka’s elegant half-century, backed by Kamil Mishara’s unbeaten 46, ensured the chase was smooth after a fiery bowling display led by Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera and a returning Wanindu Hasaranga restricted Bangladesh to 139/5.
Dream Start with the Ball
Electing to field, Sri Lanka tore into Bangladesh’s top order. Thushara bowled Tanzid Hasan Tamim with a peach in the opening over before Chameera struck in the next, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 0/2.
Kamil Mishara then produced a sharp direct hit to remove Towhid Hridoy, as the Tigers collapsed to 11/3 inside four overs. Skipper Litton Das tried to counter-attack with a brisk 28, but Hasaranga, on return from injury, stamped his authority with 2/25, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 53/5.
Just when a sub-100 score loomed, Shamim Hossain (42* off 34) and Jaker Ali (41* off 34) rescued Bangladesh with an unbeaten 86-run stand – their highest sixth-wicket partnership in T20Is – pushing them to 139/5.
Nissanka and Mishara Lead the Charge
In reply, Sri Lanka brushed aside early hiccups. Despite losing Kusal Mendis early, Nissanka showcased his class, finding gaps with precision and punishing loose balls en route to a well-crafted half-century.
Mishara, continuing his rich form, anchored the innings with maturity, finishing unbeaten on 46. Together, the duo made light work of the target, ensuring Sri Lanka crossed the line with 32 balls to spare. Even brief dismissals of Kusal Perera (9) and Dasun Shanaka (1) could not derail the chase, as Charith Asalanka sealed the victory in style with a six.
The first two overs were a key moment for us, setting the platform. It was a dream start. Once we got 115–120, we wanted to finish the game as soon as possible. The support from the fans was brilliant.
Bangladesh captain Litton Das admitted his team fell short in the Powerplay: “I thought in the Powerplay we lost the game. The wicket was very good to bat on. If you score 140, you have to bowl and field well, which we didn’t do. Against Afghanistan it’s do-or-die now.”
Statement win for Sri Lanka
The comprehensive victory not only gave Sri Lanka the perfect start but also sent a warning to group rivals. Bangladesh, despite their late batting fightback, were left to rue a disastrous start and a lacklustre effort with the ball.
Brief Scores: Bangladesh 139/5 in 20 overs (Shamim Hossain 42*, Jaker Ali 41*; Wanindu Hasaranga 2-25, Dushmantha Chameera 1-17) Sri Lanka 140/4 in 14.4 overs (Pathum Nissanka 50, Kamil Mishara 46*; Mahedi Hasan 2-29, Tanzim Hasan Sakib 1-23) Sri Lanka won by six wickets
