Asia Cup 2025: Bangladesh set 140-run target for Sri Lanka 

Abu Dhabi (Web Desk): Bangladesh set a target of 140 runs for five in their allotted 20 overs after a shaky start against Sri Lanka in the 5th clash of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Saturday.

Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka’s decision to bowl first immediately paid off as Bangladesh’s innings faltered from the outset. Both openers, Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon, were dismissed for ducks, leaving the scoreboard at a miserable 2/0 in just 1.4 overs.

The top order continued to crumble when Towhid Hridoy was run out for eight in the fifth over, failing in his attempt to snatch a double. Captain Litton Das then tried to steady the innings, striking four crisp boundaries during his 28 off 26 balls, but his knock came to an end at the halfway stage when Wanindu Hasaranga got the better of him in the 10th over.

With the Tigers reeling at 53/5 in under 10 overs, it looked like the innings would fizzle out, but Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain turned the tide with a gutsy fightback. Their sixth-wicket stand produced 86 runs off 61 deliveries, giving Bangladesh something to defend. Shamim top-scored with a brisk 42 from 34 balls, decorated with three fours and a six, while Jaker added 41 off 41 with two boundaries.

For Sri Lanka, Hasaranga was the standout performer with the ball, returning figures of 2 for 25 in just two overs. Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara chipped in with a wicket apiece to keep Bangladesh in check.

Earlier, Sri Lanka had won the toss and sent Bangladesh in to bat first.

Teams 

Bangladesh: Litton Das (capt, wk), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Mohammad Saifuddin.

Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara and Matheesha Pathirana.