Bangladesh will be seeking revenge when they take on their ‘Naagin’ rivals Sri Lanka in the opening Super Four clash of the Asia Cup 2025 on Saturday, September 20, after losing to them earlier in the Group B stage. That defeat not only dented their net run rate but also exposed vulnerabilities in both batting and bowling under pressure. For Bangladesh, the Super Four offers a chance to reset after a narrow escape from elimination.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, enter the Super Four unbeaten and brimming with confidence. Wins over Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Afghanistan helped them to top Group B. However, their campaign has not been without flaws – batting collapses in the middle overs have been a recurring concern, nearly costing them against weaker sides. Bangladesh will look to capitalise on those lapses.
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Sri Lanka carry Bangladesh into Super 4s
Bangladesh’s progression hinged not only on their own results but also on Sri Lanka’s performance in the final Group B game. Sri Lanka’s six-wicket win over Afghanistan eliminated the Afghans and secured Bangladesh’s passage as the second team from the group. Kusal Mendis’ unbeaten 74 off 52 balls was the standout effort, anchoring the chase.
Bangladesh’s path to qualification was far from smooth. They started with a win over Hong Kong, lost to Sri Lanka, and then scraped past Afghanistan by eight runs. But had Afghanistan defeated Sri Lanka on Thursday, Bangladesh would have been eliminated on net run rate.
Bangladesh look to build momentum
Bangladesh went in with four specialist bowlers against Afghanistan, and that decision nearly backfired after Saif Hassan and Shamim Hossain conceded 55 runs in just four overs. To address the issue, they may consider bringing back Mahedi Hasan in place of Nurul Hasan Sohan to strengthen the bowling attack for the crucial clash.
The Tigers could also rethink their opening combination. Parvez Hossain Emon might return as Tanzid Hasan Tamim’s partner after Saif Hassan struggled at the top against Afghanistan.
Bangladesh haven’t reached an Asia Cup final since 2018, when India edged them out off the very last ball. A winning start in the Super Four would significantly boost their chances of ending that drought in the ongoing tournament.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh: Pitch Report
The Dubai surface has offered a fair contest between bat and ball, but conditions are expected to improve for batting as the game progresses. Chasing could therefore be the preferred option for teams, with spinners likely to play a decisive role in the middle overs.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh: Match Details
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will play at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The match will start at 8 pm IST.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh: Livestreaming
The tournament will be livestreamed on the SonyLiv app. The matches will also be broadcast on Sony Sports Network.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh: Probable Playing XIs
There was doubt surrounding the availability of Dunith Wellalage after he went back home following the death of his father. But the bowling all-rounder made his way back to rejoin the team and will be available for selection for the Bangladesh match.
Bangladesh Probable Playing XI
Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das (c & wk), Saif Hassan, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman.
Sri Lanka Probable Playing XI
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana/Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara.
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