DUBAI: Bangladesh captain Litton Das won the toss and chose to bowl first against Sri Lanka on Saturday, setting the stage for the opening Super Four clash of the Asia Cup at the Dubai International Stadium.
For the first time in Asia Cup history, eight teams entered the tournament, all burning with ambition. Now, only four remain. From Group A, it’s tournament heavyweights India and Pakistan, while Group B has served up a compelling twist with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh muscling through in a more competitive draw.
Sri Lanka: Unbeaten, but Battle-Tested
Charith Asalanka’s Sri Lanka cruised through their group campaign with confidence and consistency.
Topping Group B, the defending champions remain one of only two unbeaten sides. Pathum Nissanka, currently the leading run-scorer in the tournament, has been rock-solid at the top, supported by the returning form of Kusal Mendis and the emergence of Kamil Mishara at No. 3.
However, the middle order has shown signs of vulnerability, an area Bangladesh will look to exploit. On the bowling front, Dushmantha Chameera’s fiery spell against Afghanistan remains a highlight, while Nuwan Thushara has provided dependable support.
The absence of young all-rounder Dunith Wellalage, who flew home after the tragic passing of his father, leaves a gap in the spin department.
Still, with Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana expected to thrive on UAE’s dry pitches, and the possible addition of Matheesha Pathirana, Sri Lanka’s bowling remains a major threat.
Bangladesh: Rising Just in Time
For Litton Das’ Bangladesh, the journey to the Super Four has been far more dramatic. Having clawed their way through two pressure-packed must-win games, including a nail-biter against Afghanistan, they enter this stage with a renewed sense of belief.
Strategic changes in their last game finally brought stability. Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan, the new opening pair, took pressure off Litton and gave the innings structure.
In the bowling department, the inclusion of Nasum Ahmed paid immediate dividends, while pacers Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib have provided bite and control.
Bangladesh now look better balanced and more confident, traits they’ll need in full against a disciplined Sri Lankan outfit.
The Rivalry: Quiet but Fierce
While India vs Pakistan dominates headlines, Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh has become Asia’s most quietly fierce rivalry. Their league stage clash earlier in the tournament ended in a comfortable win for Sri Lanka. But Bangladesh, still hurting from that defeat, arrive in Dubai with a point to prove.
The head-to-head stands at 13-8 in Sri Lanka’s favour, but recent results tell a different story. Since Bangladesh’s T20I series win in Sri Lanka just months ago, they’ve won three of the last five meetings.
Their only prior Asia Cup T20 clash in Dubai, back in 2022, ended in a thriller, with Sri Lanka winning by the narrowest of margins.
Bangladesh Squad
Litton Das (c), Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasum Ahmed, Nurul Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Rishad Hossain, Saif Hassan, Shamim Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Towhid Hridoy
Sri Lanka Squad
Charith Asalanka (c), Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Binura Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Janith Liyanage, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara
