Sri Lanka registered their first win of the Asia Cup 2025 after defeating Bangladesh by six wickets in the fifth match of the tournament on Saturday. The skipper Charith Asalanka won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that paid off immediately.
Sri Lanka’s pace attack struck early, as Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera delivered breakthroughs in their very first overs. Thushara rattled the stumps of Tanzid Hasan, while Chameera dismissed Parvez Hossain Emon, leaving Bangladesh reeling with both openers back in the pavilion without scoring.
Litton Das attempted to steady the innings, scoring 28 before falling to Wanindu Hasaranga. Towhid Hridoy was run out by a sharp throw from Kamil Mishara, and Mahedi Hasan departed cheaply soon after. Bangladesh looked in deep trouble until Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain staged a strong recovery.
The pair put together an unbeaten 86-run stand for the sixth wicket off just 61 balls, guiding Bangladesh to 139/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Ali remained unbeaten on 41, while Shamim contributed 42 not-out as well. Hasaranga was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, however, a tight four-over spell was bowled by Chameera, who stemmed the flow of runs from one end.
Chasing a modest target of 140, the Lankan Lions got off to a solid start. Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara combined for a fluent 95-run partnership for the second wicket in just 52 deliveries, as the win had become a mere formality. Nissanka struck a well-compiled 50 off 34 balls, while Mishara anchored the chase with an unbeaten 46. Despite losing a couple of wickets in the middle, the Lankans comfortably reached the target with plenty to spare.
For the Litton Das-led side, Mahedi Hasan was the standout bowler, finishing with figures of 2/29 in his four overs. With this victory, the Asalanka-led Lankans climbed to second place on the points table, while the Bangla Tigers slipped to third after suffering their first defeat of the tournament.
Who Said What?
Kamil Mishara, Player of the Match
Pathum said to just play normal game, take your time and do your things. Very happy to win a game for the country again. I believe in my strengths and work hard for it.
Litton Das, Bangladesh (Losing Captain)
I thought we lost the game in powerplay. Wicket was pretty good to bat on. 170-180 would’ve been a different game. On a good wicket if you score 140, you have to bowl and field well. We didn’t do that. Do or die (against Afghanistan). Thanks to all our supporters. Wish they come again and watch our game.
Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka (Winning Captain)
That was a dream start with two overs, two maidens and two wickets. That is his main weapon, the googly (Hasaranga). Even we can’t pick him properly. He’s a superstar. Once we got 120 runs, we realised that we should finish it as soon as possible. Brilliant support from the fans. Even Bangladesh fans as well. Want to thank everyone who supported us.
India
