Dubai, Sept 19 (UNI) Sri Lanka will walk into the Super Fours of the Asia Cup 2025 with the assurance of a side that has done most things right so far. Having won all three league matches — the latest a composed six-wicket victory over Afghanistan — Charith Asalanka’s team have set themselves up as favourites when they meet Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium here tomorrow.
Bangladesh, for their part, have shown grit, edging Afghanistan in a tense finish to qualify. Litton Das will know his men must raise their batting consistency and back it up with discipline in the field if they want to challenge an opponent enjoying such rhythm.
Pathum Nissanka’s 124 runs in the competition and Kusal Mendis’ 74 in the last game highlight a top order that looks settled. Kusal Perera and Kamindu Mendis offer further stability, while Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga give the middle and lower order depth. The attack, led by Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara with the new ball and supported by Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana in the middle overs, has been a dependable unit.
Bangladesh will take heart from the opening stand of Tanzid Hasan and Saif Hassan in their previous outing. Mustafizur Rahman’s three wickets and Nasum Ahmed’s frugal spell underline the importance of their bowling if they are to contain Sri Lanka’s batsmen.
Dubai’s pitch is expected to encourage stroke play, with an average first-innings total of 162. Captains may prefer chasing, given the recent record of teams batting second at this venue.
Sri Lanka’s fluency and balance make them the side to beat, but Bangladesh have shown before that, when they bring calmness to their batting and variety to their bowling, they can trouble higher-ranked opponents. The game could well come down to how early Bangladesh strike with the ball, and how composed their middle order stays against the spinners.
Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI:
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara
Bangladesh Predicted Playing XI:
Litton Das (c & wk), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed