One crack for Sri Lanka, two cracks for Bangladesh

Kusal Mendis: We always had somebody showing up

By Champika Fernando in Dubai

Sri Lanka will open its Super Four campaign of the Asia Cup against Bangladesh in Dubai today with a quiet sense of belief as three wins from three in the first round have given Charith Asalanka’s men valuable momentum for a rematch against the Tigers that they tamed in the first round.

The six-wicket victory in Abu Dhabi last week against the same opposition, may offer a psychological edge, but the Sri Lankans insist that past results count for little.

“We expect the wicket in Dubai to be on the slower side, though conditions will vary from pitch to pitch,” said Kusal Mendis, who produced a fluent 74 against Afghanistan on Thursday night to seal Sri Lanka’s progression. 

“Right now, Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera are bowling really well and with Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana providing the spin support, our attack looks balanced. We’re going into the next stage with plenty of confidence.”

Mendis believes the biggest factor behind Sri Lanka’s unbeaten run has been the collective effort. “Everyone has played a part in these victories. It hasn’t been about the brilliance of just one or two players, it’s been a team effort. 

“In one game the lower middle order chipped in with runs, in another the openers stepped up. If you look at our side, someone has delivered for us every day, whether with the bat or the ball. That’s been our biggest strength,” said Mendis.

The pitch in Dubai has a reputation for aiding spinners and restricting stroke play. Hasaranga has already demonstrated his value by strangling the scoring rate against Bangladesh in the group stage, and they (spinners) will once again be expected to shoulder responsibility in the middle overs.

Sri Lanka’s journey to the Super Four has not been without setbacks. Their victories against Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Afghanistan were hard-earned rather than straightforward. 

Against Afghanistan, emotions ran high with the shock death of the father of young all-rounder Dunith Wellalage midway through the game as the dressing room fell silent, a huge emotional setback for the team as they headed on to the next round.

What should have been a moment to celebrate another hard-fought win instead became a time of mourning. Wellalage, who returned home to be with his family and pay his last respects to his father, is expected to rejoin the squad in Dubai this morning, with the team management considering him for selection against Bangladesh. The pitch, having already been used twice, is anticipated to play on the slower side.

Pathum Nissanka, with 124 runs in three innings, leads the tournament charts. His composure at the top has been central to Sri Lanka’s batting rhythm while Mendis’ return to form with a crisp half-century against Afghanistan offered further reassurance. The likes of Kamil Mishara, Kusal Janith Perera and Kamindu Mendis have chipped in the middle order, ensuring the batting unit has depth.

The bowling has been spearheaded by Nuwan Thushara, who has impressed with his ability to swing the ball early and maintain accuracy in the middle overs. His 4 for 18 against Afghanistan was one of the standout spells of the competition, and his consistency has been a reassuring presence. Dushmantha Chameera, though expensive in that game, remains a genuine wicket-taking option.

Bangladesh arrived in Dubai determined to prove a point. Their batsmen wilted against Sri Lankan bowlers, and a repeat performance could prove costly. The middle order in particular will need to show greater composure if they are to mount a serious challenge. Their bowlers, too, will be asked to deliver on surfaces where variations are key.

“Bangladesh are a very competitive side and have been so for the last few months,” said batting coach Thilina Kandamby. “We know them well, their strengths and weaknesses, and we’ll look to capitalise on that.”

With India and Pakistan also in the Super Four, starting with a win is crucial to keep alive the prospects of Sri Lanka reaching the final.