The Asia Cup 2025 action continues in Abu Dhabi as Sri Lanka kick off their campaign against a resurgent Bangladesh side on Tuesday, September 13, at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
This Group B fixture promises to be a tightly contested affair, with Bangladesh already registering a win in their tournament opener, while Sri Lanka look to shake off some recent rust and make a strong opening statement.
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Bangladesh: Calm Start, But Questions Remain
Bangladesh couldn’t have asked for a smoother start to their campaign. In their opening match, they comfortably chased down a modest target set by Hong Kong, winning by seven wickets. Captain Litton Das anchored the innings with a composed 59, providing stability in a chase that never looked in doubt.
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However, despite the win, there are some concerns to address - especially in the bowling department. Taskin Ahmed and Rishad Hossain picked up wickets, but both conceded runs at key moments, something Bangladesh will want to iron out against a far stronger batting line-up in Sri Lanka.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: Salman Agha sends ‘Strong Warning’ ahead of IND-PAK clash – ‘We are good enough…’
Sri Lanka: Talented, But Needing Urgency
Sri Lanka, the 2022 Asia Cup T20 champions, come into this game with pedigree but not much recent polish. Their recent series win over Zimbabwe (2-1) was anything but convincing, with several close calls and inconsistent performances.
To compete at the Asia Cup, they’ll need much more - both in intent and execution.
Sri Lanka’s strength, however, lies in their spin-heavy attack, tailor-made for the slow, low conditions in the UAE. Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dunith Wellalage offer a balanced and threatening spin trio, while Matheesha Pathirana’s slingy pace could be the X-factor that unsettles the Bangladeshi batters.
Match Details: All You Need to Know
- Match Date: Tuesday, September 13
Time: 8:00 PM IST (Toss at 7:30 PM IST)
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
TV Broadcast: Sony Sports Network
Live Streaming: Sony Liv app and website, also available on the OTTplay app
What’s at Stake?
With only two teams progressing from the group, every match is crucial. For Bangladesh, a win would all but seal their place in the next round. For Sri Lanka, it’s not just about points - it’s about rediscovering rhythm and reasserting their claim as one of Asia’s elite T20 sides.