SL vs BAN Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours: Bangladesh Opt to Bowl, Sri Lanka Off to Steady Start at 1/0 – Live from Dubai’s Spin-Friendly Deck
By Geeks kepler| Updated: September 20, 2025 – 6:45 PM LOCAL (9:15 PM IST)
Sri Lanka Players Wear Black Armbands & Observe One-Minute Silence As Tribute To Dunith Wellalage’s Late Father During SL Vs BAN Asia Cup Super Four
The Super Fours stage of the Asia Cup 2025 kicks off with a bang in Dubai, as Bangladesh win the toss and elect to field against unbeaten Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With dew likely playing a role under the lights, Litton Das’s call puts pressure on the Lankans to set a defendable total on a dry, used pitch favoring spinners. Just 1/0 after 0.2 overs, Pathum Nissanka nicks a single off Shoriful Islam, while Kusal Mendis survives a sharp inswinger. A moment’s silence honors Dunith Wellalage’s late father before play – emotions high in this Naagin Derby rematch.
Match Snapshot: SL 1/0 (0.2 Ov) | BAN Bowl First
Bangladesh’s bowlers strike early with Shoriful Islam (0.2-0-1-0) testing the openers on a track where chases have ruled – average winning score 171, but first innings 150. Sri Lanka’s top order, led by Nissanka and Mendis, aims to build steadily, knowing their middle-order depth shone against Afghanistan. Bangladesh, boosted by a gritty win over the UAE, eye an upset to ignite their campaign after relying on SL’s group-stage heroics for Super Fours qualification.
Toss and Teams: Bangladesh’s Bold Call, SL Unchanged
Litton Das: “We’ll bowl first – saw the group games, chasing’s been easy with dew. Bit confused on the pitch, but excited. Two changes: Shoriful and Mahedi in for Sohan and Rishad.” Charith Asalanka: “Would’ve bowled too, but it’s dry and used – doesn’t matter. Young guns maturing since 2021, same XI today.” Dunith Wellalage returns post-bereavement, available but benched for Maheesh Theekshana’s spin edge.
Sri Lanka Playing XI
- Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara
Bangladesh Playing XI
- Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das (wk/c), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman
Sri Lanka’s bench: Nuwanidu Fernando, Binura Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne, Janith Liyanage, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana. Bangladesh bench: Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mohammad Saifuddin.
Pitch and Conditions: Dew Dilemma on Dry Dubai Deck
Urooj Mumtaz and Sanjay Manjrekar’s report: “Back at pitch no. 3 from UAE-PAK game – looks drier now. Avg 1st inns 150, winning 171. Toss win? Don’t bat first. Short boundary one side (12m shorter), dew eases chases. Spinners galore – 53.6% overs spun so far.” Clear skies, 32°C, humidity 45% – perfect for a night game, but that dew could flip the script late.
Head-to-Head and Form Guide: Even Stevens in Recent Clashes
Since 2024, 8 T20Is: 4 wins each – pure parity. SL unbeaten in group (beat BAN by 6 wkts, survived HK scare, chased AFG). BAN turbulent: Blasted HK, blown by SL, edged AFG – qualified on SL’s AFG win. Key stat: Litton Das nears BAN T20I run record (2533, trails Shakib’s 2551). BAN leaked most extras (38) – discipline key.
| Team | Group Stage Wins | NRR | Key Performer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 3/3 | +1.234 | Kusal Mendis (unbeaten 74 vs AFG) |
| Bangladesh | 2/3 | -0.456 | Towhid Hridoy (consistent middle-order) |
Key Battles: Spinners vs Top Orders
- Hasaranga vs Litton Das: SL’s mystery spinner (best PP economy) targets BAN skipper’s aggressive starts.
- Mustafizur vs Nissanka: Fizz eyes redemption after pricey group spell – needs 4 wkts for 150 T20I milestone.
- Mendis Magic: Kusal’s 4 centuries vs BAN – his form (74* vs AFG) could haunt old foes.
- BAN’s Bowling Woe: Taskin and Shoriful to exploit SL’s No.3-7 avg (19.02, worst among full members).
Shaun Tait (BAN coach): “Focus on us – know each other well. Making Super Fours is huge.”
Super Fours Stakes: Path to Final
Group B survivors clash first – winner grabs early momentum. Next: SL vs IND/PAK, BAN vs AFG/IND. Dubai’s slow tracks (spinners 53.6% overs) suit both, but SL’s chase mastery (3/3) edges them as slight faves. Off-field: Wellalage’s return adds heart; BAN’s Dubai debut fuels fire.
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