“Bangladesh and Sri Lanka face off in a high-stakes Asia Cup 2025 Group B encounter at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, with qualification hopes on the line.”
On September 13, 2025, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka fought a high-stakes Group B encounter in the Asia Cup 2025 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. Both teams entered the match eager to secure crucial points for Super Four qualification in a tightly contested group.
Match Context and Head-to-Head
- Sri Lanka, six-time Asia Cup champions, were playing their first match of the tournament, aiming to start their title defense with a strong performance.
- Bangladesh had recorded a confident seven-wicket victory over Hong Kong in their opening game, with captain Litton Das contributing a composed 59 and the team focusing on consistent execution.
- Previous encounters showed a balanced rivalry; Sri Lanka holds a slight advantage with 12 T20I wins against Bangladesh’s 8, but Bangladesh won the recent 2025 series 2-1 in Sri Lanka, signaling a competitive edge.
Teams and Key Players
- Bangladesh’s squad featured Litton Das (captain & wicketkeeper), Taskin Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, and others focused on balancing aggressive batting and disciplined bowling.
- Sri Lanka, led by Charith Asalanka (captain), brought a potent lineup including Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga (return from injury), Maheesh Theekshana, and Dunith Wellalage providing a formidable all-round attack.
- Wanindu Hasaranga’s comeback was especially anticipated, strengthening Sri Lanka’s spin battery.
Match Overview
Sri Lanka, having won the toss, chose to bowl first aiming to restrict Bangladesh’s batting lineup and capitalize on dew-free evening conditions favoring spinners. Bangladesh, confident after their opening win, aimed to post a competitive total with contributions expected from the top order.
Sri Lanka’s bowling hallmarked by the returning Hasaranga’s sharp spin was the key highlight; Bangladesh faced challenges containing the Lankan attack but relied on Litton Das and Tanzid Hasan to anchor their innings.
The match carried significant importance as both teams sought valuable points; a win would place the victor in a strong position for semi-final qualification given Afghanistan’s superior net run rate in the group.
How to Watch
Fans across Asia could watch the match on Sony Sports Network in India and via the SonyLIV streaming platform. Other broadcasters included Gazi TV in Bangladesh, Ten Sports in Pakistan, and SLRC in Sri Lanka.
Fact-Check Highlights
- The match was held on September 13, 2025, at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
- Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first.
- Wanindu Hasaranga played after recovery from a hamstring injury enhancing Sri Lanka’s bowling options.
- Bangladesh captain Litton Das led with a strong batting display in the tournament opener and looked to continue form.
- Both teams are key contenders in Group B, making this a critical fixtures for tournament progression.
This 2025 Asia Cup match showcased a classic rivalry renewed, blending fresh talent and seasoned professionals, underlining both sides’ aspirations for regional supremacy and international recognition on T20’s biggest stages.
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