Asia Cup 2025 : Sri Lanka’s clinical win over Bangladesh sets up strong start

Action from the match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh

By Champika Fernando in Abu Dhabi

Sri Lanka got off to the best possible start to their Asia Cup campaign as the reigning T20 champions swept past Bangladesh with a performance that was clinical and assured on Saturday night in Abu Dhabi. A six-wicket victory, achieved with more than five overs to spare, sent a clear message about their intent to retain the T20 crown.

The win was built on the aggression of Pathum Nissanka and the calm authority of Kamil Mishara. At just 24 and only six matches into his T20 international career, Mishara already looks like the solution to Sri Lanka’s number-three dilemma. His unbeaten 46 off 32 balls guided the chase with minimum fuss and earned him a second successive Man-of-the-Match award—he was also awarded the honor against Zimbabwe in the final T20 of the three-match series.

“I expect to finish every game I play,” Mishara said afterward. “They have given me a role, and that is to bat through the innings and finish. That is what I try to do.”

And he did just that. Arriving at the crease with the scoreboard showing 13/1 after the early exits of Kusal Mendis, Mishara displayed composure well beyond his years. He combined with Nissanka in a decisive partnership worth 95 runs from only 52 balls, breaking Bangladesh’s grip, if they had any, on the contest.

There was a slice of fortune early on when Mahedi Hasan dropped him at one. Mishara responded in style, launching a six and two fours off Shoriful Islam in the same over to establish control. From there, he rotated the strike sensibly, punished the loose deliveries, and never allowed the bowlers to settle.

Nissanka, steady as ever, struck his 16th T20 international half-century. His fluency at the top of the order, paired with Mishara’s calm finishing, gave Sri Lanka a solidity often missing in recent years. The pair ensured the chase was reduced to a formality long before the finish.

Much credit for the side’s composed approach has gone to coach Sanath Jayasuriya. Mishara was quick to acknowledge his influence. “He is very relaxed,” he explained. “He always tells us to play our natural game. He gives us freedom, and that makes the environment easier.”

The result also boosted Sri Lanka’s net run rate to a healthy 2.595, an advantage they will look to extend against Hong Kong in their second group match today in Dubai—the venue for the second game. The equation is simple: win well and strengthen their position at the top of the table.

Inside the camp, there is lots of confidence. But batting coach Thilina Kandamby struck the right note of caution. “In this format, anyone can win on the day,” he said, referring to their next opponent. “Our advantage is having experienced players, but we cannot take chances. We will go game by game with clear strategies.”

Momentum is key. “Even during the Zimbabwe series, we spoke about how we wanted to approach this tournament,” Kandamby added. “It is still early days, but momentum is everything in T20 cricket.”

Just as important has been a shift in mindset. Sri Lanka’s batting collapses have often haunted them, but Kandamby believes the corner has been turned. “We addressed it six or seven months ago,” he said. “I’m not worried about being bowled out for 80 or 90. It is about keeping momentum. If we reach 170 or 180, we know we can do it again. The boys now understand how to adjust and play as a team.”

Against Hong Kong, Sri Lanka is expected to field their strongest side. With Nissanka’s consistency, Mishara’s emerging assurance, and a bowling unit that blends world-class spin with incisive pace, the balance looks encouraging.

The message is clear: dispatch Hong Kong, build net run rate, and maintain the rhythm. On the evidence of their dismantling of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka looks like the side capable of defending the trophy they won in 2022.