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Saturday’s Group B encounter between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi represents more than just another Asia Cup 2025 fixture. With Afghanistan having already secured a commanding victory over Hong Kong, both teams understand that defeat here could derail their Super Four aspirations in what’s being dubbed the “group of death.”
Afghanistan currently lead Group B with a superior net run rate of +4.700, while Bangladesh sit second with +1.001 following their comfortable seven-wicket victory over Hong Kong. Sri Lanka, yet to play their opening fixture, need a strong start to avoid falling behind early. The mathematics are simple: the loser of this encounter will face a treacherous path to qualification, particularly given Afghanistan’s dominant form.
Bangladesh’s confident start to Asia Cup and Sri Lanka’s recent struggles
The Tigers began their campaign positively, with captain Litton Das anchoring their chase with a composed 59 off 39 balls against Hong Kong. However, the victory exposed some concerns, particularly in bowling where pace duo Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib, along with leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, conceded runs despite claiming wickets. Against a far superior Sri Lankan batting lineup, such lapses could prove costly.
Sri Lanka’s preparation has been far from ideal. Their batting unit collapsed spectacularly against Zimbabwe just days before the tournament, managing only 80 runs in 17.4 overs – their second-lowest T20I total in history. This batting fragility raises serious questions about their ability to handle pressure situations, especially against Bangladesh’s varied bowling attack.
The recent rivalry has been evenly poised, with Bangladesh winning three of their last five T20I encounters against Sri Lanka, including victories in the 2024 T20 World Cup in Dallas and a 2-1 series triumph in Sri Lanka this July. Crucially, Bangladesh’s bowlers have consistently troubled Sri Lankan batters, striking early and maintaining pressure throughout innings.
BAN vs SL, Asia Cup 2025: Match Details
- Date and Time: September 13, 8:00 pm IST / 02:30 pm GMT / 06:30 pm local
- Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
BAN vs SL Head-to-Head Record in T20Is:
- Matches Played: 20 | Bangladesh won: 08 | Sri Lanka won: 12 | No results: 0
Sheikh Zayed Stadium Pitch Report:
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium surface in Abu Dhabi offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. Early on the pitch retains some moisture so seamers extract bounce and carry while overhead lights bring in a predictable but manageable dew that eases chasing under the lights. As the match progresses the surface flattens out rewarding batters who can time the ball through the V and find gaps behind the infield. Spinners can be effective in the middle overs if they vary pace and flight but must contend with pace off the surface. Winning the toss and choosing to bowl under lights can prove decisive.
Squads:
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wK), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Nuwan Thushara, Kamil Mishara, Chamika Karunaratne, Kusal Perera
Bangladesh: Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das (wk/c), Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Saif Hassan, Nasum Ahmed, Mohammad Saifuddin, Nurul Hasan, Shoriful Islam
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BAN vs SL, Today’s Match Prediction:
Case 1:
- Bangladesh wins the toss and bowls first
- Sri Lanka powerplay score: 40-50
- Sri Lanka overall score: 155-165
Case 2:
- Sri Lanka wins the toss and bowls first
- Bangladesh powerplay score: 30-40
- Bangladesh overall score: 130-140
Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest
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