Grudge battle, body blows await Sri Lanka, Bangladesh

By Champika Fernando in Abu Dhabi

Sri Lanka will launch their Asia Cup 2025 campaign this evening in Abu Dhabi against Bangladesh, fielding a three-pronged pace attack in a contest that already carries the feel of a knockout. 

With only two teams from the group advancing to the Super Fours, there is precious little margin for error. The thinking is simple. On a pitch expected to offer seam and bounce, Sri Lanka want to exploit Bangladesh’s lingering unease against bowlers with unorthodox methods.

That strategy points towards Dushmantha Chameera, impressive during the recent series in Zimbabwe, sharing the new ball with the slingy duo of Nuwan Thushara and Matheesha Pathirana. Wanindu Hasaranga, returning from injury, will shoulder the responsibility of lead spinner, leaving Maheesh Theekshana on the bench for the opener.

For the 2022 champions, this is far more than just a curtain-raiser. It is about intent, momentum and a timely reminder to the region that Sri Lanka remain serious contenders for a title they lifted in style three years ago. The squad has been assembled with tournament nous in mind, and the players are well aware of the value of starting strongly in a competition where early slip-ups can be fatal.

“It’s important to start on a high,” said Charith Asalanka, the Sri Lanka captain at the pre-match press conference. “It’s a tough tournament. Every team is here to give a good fight. We are here to give a good fight,’.

Recent form, however, has been inconsistent. Sri Lanka have shown moments of class against opponents but have often lacked consistency. A home series defeat to Bangladesh in July dented confidence, while their laboured win over Zimbabwe exposed both strengths and vulnerabilities – not least the alarming 80-all-out collapse that highlighted familiar frailties with the bat.

The batting, though, now looks steadier. Pathum Nissanka has been solid at the top and Kusal Mendis, back in form, offers much-needed assurance. Together, they provide the stability Sri Lanka’s innings have often lacked. Kusal Perera brings dash, Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis add flexibility in the middle, while young Kamil Mishara, still learning his trade, has shown glimpses of genuine promise. The finishing touches remain a concern, yet with skipper Dasun Shanaka and Hasaranga proven under pressure, there is depth in reserve.

“In T20s, the top three batters carry a lot of responsibility as they face most of the overs. For us, Pathum and Mendis have given some good starts, and we’ve got Kamil Mishara at number three who has been in good touch. That’s a very positive sign,” he added.

Sri Lanka held a late evening training session – their third since arriving in Abu Dhabi – as they look to cover all bases ahead of the opening clash.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, arrive buoyed by a comfortable win over Hong Kong in their opening game. Their rare series win over Sri Lanka last year has given them added belief, underlining their progress in white-ball cricket.

Their bowling is undoubtedly their strongest suit. Taskin Ahmed leads the line with pace and control, Mustafizur Rahman remains the trusted death-overs specialist, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib provides an additional seam option. Off-spinner Mahedi Hasan has emerged as an effective operator in the powerplay, and the leg-spin of Rishad Hossain adds further variety, giving Bangladesh both depth and unpredictability.

Batting, however, continues to be their weak link. Frequent collapses have blighted their progress, with promising starts too often squandered. Litton Das is the key man at the top, capable of dictating terms if he settles, while Mahedi Hasan has quietly grown into a steady presence in the middle order.

Matches between these two sides rarely lack edge. Ever since the fiery Nidahas Trophy encounters of 2018, their meetings have carried added spice, and tonight will be no different. Fans see it as a rivalry; for the players, it is about the challenge and the contest – but the intensity remains undeniable.

On paper, it feels evenly poised: Bangladesh’s seam attack against Sri Lanka’s unorthodox bowling; Sri Lanka’s top order in rhythm against Bangladesh’s disciplined bowlers. For the Tigers, the challenge is to keep their batting steady when the pressure mounts. For Sri Lanka, the task is straightforward – begin their campaign with conviction.

One thing is certain: the stakes are high. Win tonight, and the path ahead looks manageable. Lose, and the tournament could slip away before it has truly begun.

Sri Lanka probable XI: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana

Bangladesh squad from: Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Shaif Uddin