Asia Cup 2025: Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh by 6 wickets 

Abu Dhabi (Web Desk): Sri Lanka outclassed Bangladesh with a fluent chase, reaching their 140-run target in style during the fifth clash of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Saturday.

The defending champions wrapped up the pursuit with four wickets down and 32 deliveries still in hand.

The innings did not begin smoothly as Kusal Mendis fell cheaply for three in the second over, leaving the score at 13 for one. Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara, however, steadied the response with a match-defining 85-run stand. Nissanka played the aggressor’s role, racing to a 34-ball half-century decorated with six boundaries and a six, before Mahedi Hasan removed him in the 11th over.

A couple of wickets followed in quick time, but Mishara held his nerve to remain unbeaten on 46 from 32 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes to finish the job. Mahedi was the most effective bowler for Bangladesh, ending with figures of two for 29, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Mustafizur Rahman collected one wicket apiece.

Earlier, Bangladesh had battled their way to 139 for five after being put in to bat first by Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka.

Their start was disastrous as Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon departed without scoring, leaving the side tottering at two for none inside the second over. Towhid Hridoy’s run out for eight in the fifth over deepened the troubles, while skipper Litton Das tried to stabilise matters with a 26-ball 28 before falling to Wanindu Hasaranga in the 10th over. At 53 for five in 9.5 overs, Bangladesh looked destined for collapse.

The middle order, however, mounted resistance through Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain, who added 86 runs for the sixth wicket. Shamim top-scored with a 34-ball 42 featuring three boundaries and a six, while Jaker compiled a steady 41 off 41 deliveries with two fours.

Their partnership lifted Bangladesh to a competitive finish. For Sri Lanka, Hasaranga stood out with two wickets for 25 in his two overs, while Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara chipped in with one each.
The comprehensive victory underlined Sri Lanka’s strength in defending their crown, while Bangladesh were left regretting an early batting collapse that kept them short of a fighting total.

Teams 

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.

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.