ABU DHABI: Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and opted to bowl first against Bangladesh in their Asia Cup 2025 Group match at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
Bangladesh, led by Litton Das, are already off the mark in the tournament. However, their win against Hong Kong, China was anything but straightforward. Despite restricting their opponents to 143, the Tigers’ bowling attack, particularly at the death, left room for improvement.
Spinners Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Rishad Hossain, along with pacer Taskin Ahmed, shared the wickets, but lacked polish in the final overs.
In response, Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy steadied the ship after an aggressive start. Their approach, rotating strike and minimising risks when boundaries dried up, could become the template for success on Abu Dhabi’s often two-paced surface.
Sri Lanka Ready to Roar
Sri Lanka, are only just beginning their campaign, but they come in with plenty to prove. Their recent home series loss to Bangladesh in July and a gritty tour of Zimbabwe have raised concerns about consistency. But with the return of star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga from injury, the islanders have reason for optimism.
Hasaranga joins a robust all-round core that includes Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, and Kamindu Mendis, giving Sri Lanka plenty of depth.
The team’s biggest weapon, however, may be Pathum Nissanka, who is in sparkling form at the top of the order with 230 runs at a strike rate of 147.43 this year.
Spotlight Players
Litton Das (Bangladesh)
One of the most in-form batters in T20Is this year, Litton Das is just 56 runs away from becoming Bangladesh’s all-time top scorer in the format.
His tally of 476 runs in 2025 at a strike rate of 137.17 makes him a major threat, especially after leading the run-scoring charts in the July series against Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s bowlers will have a task on their hands containing him early.
Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)
Sri Lanka’s powerplay fortunes have surged in 2025, largely due to Nissanka’s aggressive evolution. His ability to punish loose deliveries has helped set solid foundations, and it’s no coincidence Sri Lanka struggled in the only match this year where he didn’t score 30+.
If he gets going, Bangladesh’s bowlers may be in for a long evening.
Pitch & Conditions
The Abu Dhabi pitch is generally good for batting but can assist slower bowlers as the game progresses. Expect a balanced contest between bat and ball. Fortunately for fans, no rain is forecast on Saturday.
Bangladesh Playing XI
Pervez Hossain Emon, 2. Tanzid Hasan, 3. Litton Das (capt & wk), 4. Towhid Hridoy, 5. Jaker Ali, 6. Shamim Hossain, 7. Mahedi Hasan, 8. Rishad Hossain, 9. Tanzim Hasan Sakib, 10. Taskin Ahmed, 11. Mustafizur Rahman.
Sri Lanka Playing XI
Pathum Nissanka, 2. Kusal Mendis (wk), 3. Kamil Mishara, 4. Kusal Perera, 5. Charith Asalanka (capt), 6. Kamindu Mendis, 7. Dasun Shanaka, 8. Wanindu Hasaranga, 9. Dushmantha Chameera, 10. Binura Fernando, 11. Nuwan Thushara.
