🏏 Asia Cup 2025: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, Super Four, Match 1 Dubai🏏

🏏 T20 Asia Cup 2025: Sri Lanka Vs Bangladesh, Super Four, Match 1, Dubai 🏏

Just two days ago, Bangladeshi fans were cheering for Sri Lanka, hoping they would win their final group-stage game and hand Bangladesh a lifeline into the Super 4s. Sri Lanka obliged, sealing not just their own qualification but also Bangladesh’s progression.

But allegiances in cricket are fickle, now, as the two sides face off, Bangladeshi supporters have swiftly swung back, ready for the next chapter in this fiery rivalry.

Ironically, Bangladesh’s current predicament stems from their earlier clash with Sri Lanka. A top-order collapse left them scraping to 139/5, a total Sri Lanka hunted down with ease in just 14.4 overs.

That defeat dealt a heavy blow to Bangladesh’s Net Run Rate, one that even convincing wins over Hong Kong and the UAE couldn’t fully repair.

With four points in hand, their fate ultimately hinged on Sri Lanka’s result against Afghanistan. Had Sri Lanka stumbled, a three-way tie would have emerged—with Bangladesh’s poor NRR pushing them out. Instead, Sri Lanka’s victory spared them that scenario, setting the stage for today’s showdown!!

Sri Lanka came into the tournament with several questions hanging over their form and while some were eased during their comfortable win against Bangladesh, others resurfaced after Hong Kong ran them close. Chasing a modest 150, a sudden middle-order collapse left them in a precarious position before they were rescued by a late blitz from Wanindu Hasaranga. While their latest win against Afghanistan was comprehensive, a middle-order prone to fragility was untested.

On paper, there's little to separate these sides. They've faced each other eight times since 2024 and have split those with four wins each. This contest, therefore, presents an opportunity to claim an early lead in the Super 4s along with bragging rights.

When: Sep 20, 2025, at 06:30 PM LOCAL / 8:00 PM IST

Where: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Team News

Sri Lanka

Injuries/Availability: Dunith Wellalage may be unavailable for selection following a bereavement in his family

Tactics and matchups: Sri Lanka have bowled superbly in the PowerPlay and statistics suggest the same. They have the best average and are the only bowling unit to have gone at under run-a-ball in this phase amongst the eight teams. Their key battle will be against Litton Das, who has been key to Bangladesh's success with the bat.

Probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara

Bangladesh

Injuries/Availability: No injury concerns reported

Tactics and matchups: Sri Lanka have been heavily reliant on their top-order for scoring runs and that is something Bangladesh will look to exploit. Sri Lanka's batting average of 19.02 for No.3-7, ranks 12th (last) among the full-member teams.

Probable XI: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das (c/wk), Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed

A fixture that could set the tone for the next round. Sri Lanka, under Charith Asalanka’s captaincy, have been the most consistent team in Group B, winning all three matches while chasing. Pathum Nissanka has emerged as their most reliable run-getter, while Kusal Mendis’ attacking knock against Afghanistan suggested that their batting order is finding rhythm. Still, concerns linger over a shaky middle order, and the absence of all-rounder Dunith Wellalage — who has flown home following a personal tragedy — is a significant blow.

What to expect: The pitches in Dubai have been expectedly slow and conducive to spinners. That's reflected in the fact that spinners have bowled 53.6% of the overs in this competition so far, the second-highest in any multi-team T20 tournament in the UAE.

Head to head: These two sides have faced each other eight times in T20Is since 2024 and they've won four each.

Did you know?

Litton Das is on the verge of becoming the leading run-scorer for Bangladesh in T20Is (2533 currently, only behind Shakib's 2551)

Bangladesh have conceded 38 extras in the tournament so far - the most amongst the eight teams

Who said what?

"The good thing is we can just focus on what we're doing, and I'm sure Sri Lanka will do the same because we know each other fairly well. It's a good contest. Making the final four is a big effort," - Shaun Tait, Bangladesh bowling coach

Bangladesh, by contrast, have been unpredictable. A solid opening win over Hong Kong was followed by a loss to Sri Lanka, before they edged Afghanistan in a tight finish. Skipper Litton Das has been among the runs, but his batting unit needs greater consistency. Fielding lapses and bowling inconsistency have added to their struggles, though Taskin Ahmed’s return offers hope. With Sri Lanka in form and Bangladesh seeking stability, this clash could be pivotal in shaping Super Four fortunes.

But how do their head-to-head stats in T20Is look, and how did each match pan out? Take a look.

• Total matches: 21
• Sri Lanka won: 13
• Bangladesh won: 8
• No result: 0

Ground stats - Dubai International Stadium

• Highest Team Score: India: 212/2 vs Afghanistan (8 Sep 2022)
• Lowest Team Score: West Indies: 55 all out vs England (23 Oct 2021)
• Biggest Win by Runs: India: Won by 101 runs vs Afghanistan (8 Sep 2022)
• Closest Win at Dubai: UAE: Won by 2 runs vs Kuwait (21 Dec 2024)

Recent five results in Dubai International Stadium

• Pakistan beat United Arab Emirates by 41 runs - 17 Sep 2025
• Sri Lanka beat Hong Kong by 4 wickets - 15 Sep 2025
• India beat Pakistan by 7 wickets - 14 Sep 2025
• Pakistan beat Oman by 93 runs - 12 Sep 2025
• India beat UAE by 9 wickets - 10 Sep 2025

The team batting second is expected to hold an advantage due to dew. Making use of the powerplay phase will be crucial for batters to compensate for the middle overs during which spinners could slow down the proceedings.

SL vs BAN Probable Top Performers

Probable Best Batter: Pathum Nissanka

Asia Cup, Match 8: Pathum Nissanka vs Hong Kong (Source: Getty Images)

Nissanka is the leading run-scorer of the Asia Cup so far. He has scored 124 runs in three innings at an impressive strike rate of 149.39. The top-order batter can be expected to play yet another match-defining innings to guide his team with the bat.

Probable Best Bowler: Wanindu Hasaranga

Asia Cup 2025, Match 5: Wanindu Hasaranga vs Bangladesh (Source: Getty Images)

Although Hasaranga has only picked up three wickets in as many matches in the ongoing tournament, he has conceded at a rate of only 5.83. The experienced spin-bowling all-rounder can come good with the ball to help his side again.

Today's Match Prediction: Sri Lanka to win the match

Scenario 1

• Sri Lanka win the toss and opt to bowl first.
• Powerplay: 30-40
• BAN: 140-160
• Sri Lanka win the match.

Scenario 2

• Bangladesh win the toss and opt to bowl first.
• Powerplay: 50-60
• SL: 165-185
• Sri Lanka win the match.

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.

Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage will be available for today's clash with Bangladesh. He rejoined the team after meeting his family following his father's death.

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