How did Sri Lanka secure a remarkable win against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup?

Abu Dhabi, Sep 13 (NationPress) Sri Lanka launched their Asia Cup 2025 journey with a resounding victory, defeating Bangladesh by six wickets during their Group B match at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Saturday. The standout performances from Pathum Nissanka, who scored a solid half-century, and Kamil Mishara, who remained not out at 46, allowed the Islanders to chase down 140 runs with 32 balls to spare, showcasing their prowess in both batting and bowling.

In pursuit of what appeared to be a challenging total on a slow pitch, Sri Lanka faced an early setback with the dismissal of Kusal Mendis. However, Nissanka and Mishara quickly took control of the innings. Nissanka displayed his elegant batting style, finding gaps with accuracy and punishing loose deliveries to complete a well-deserved fifty.

Mishara, on the other hand, continued his impressive run in international cricket. The 23-year-old left-hander has helped guide Sri Lanka to victory in consecutive T20Is without losing his wicket, and his composed 46* was the perfect complement to Nissanka’s aggressive play.

The loss of Kusal Perera for a quick 9 and Dasun Shanaka for just 1 off 3 balls didn’t hinder the chase. With Charith Asalanka hitting a towering six off Tanzim Hasan Sakib, finishing unbeaten on 10 off 4 balls, Sri Lanka sealed their victory with confidence.

Earlier, Bangladesh faced a horrendous start after being sent in to bat. Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera set an aggressive tone with fiery spells, leaving Bangladesh at 0 for 2 after two consecutive wicket-maiden overs.

Thushara bowled Tanzid Hasan Tamim with a stunning delivery, while Chameera had Parvez Hossain Emon caught behind in the next over. Towhid Hridoy was then brilliantly run out by Mishara, whose sharp direct hit from deep midwicket left the Tigers struggling at 11 for 3.

Captain Litton Das attempted to stabilize the innings with a 26-ball 28, but Wanindu Hasaranga (2-25) struck twice, leaving Bangladesh in a precarious position at 53 for 5 in the 11th over. Just when it appeared that a sub-100 score was on the cards, Shamim Hossain (42* off 34) and Jaker Ali (41* off 34) rescued the innings. Their unbeaten 86-run partnership for the sixth wicket set a Bangladesh record in men’s T20Is, propelling the team to 139 for 5.

However, Sri Lanka’s batting unit made short work of the chase. With Nissanka and Mishara leading the charge, they glided to victory, sending a clear message to their rivals in the group. For Bangladesh, the late resurgence with the bat proved insufficient, as their bowlers were unable to defend a meager total.

Brief scores:

Bangladesh 139/5 in 20 overs (Shamim Hossain 42 not out, Jaker Ali 41 not out; Wanindu Hasaranga 2-25, Dushmanth Chameera 1-17) lost to Sri Lanka 140/4 in 14.4 overs (Pathum Nissanka 50, Kamil Mishara 46 not out; Mahedi Hasan 2-29, Tanzim Hasan Sakib 1-23) by six wickets.