Sri Lanka open their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against Bangladesh tonight in Abu Dhabi, in a contest that already feels like a knockout battle. With unorthodox bowlers, fresh batting stability, and a fierce rivalry that stretches back years, the stakes could not be higher.
Sri Lanka step into the Asia Cup 2025 with no room for hesitation. Their opening game against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi has all the hallmarks of a grudge battle, a must-win contest where the margin for error is razor-thin. Only two teams from the group will advance to the Super Fours, and with every run and wicket carrying extra weight, both sides know this clash could define their campaigns.
The Sri Lankan strategy is clear: unleash their unique pace arsenal on a surface expected to aid seam and bounce. Dushmantha Chameera, fresh from an impressive tour of Zimbabwe, will take the new ball alongside the slingy duo of Nuwan Thushara and Matheesha Pathirana. Their awkward angles and raw pace are seen as the best way to exploit Bangladesh’s discomfort against unconventional fast bowling. Complementing the trio will be Wanindu Hasaranga, returning from injury to lead the spin attack. His presence means Maheesh Theekshana, usually a mainstay, has been benched for the opening clash.
For the 2022 champions, this is not just a first game. It is about setting the tone, proving intent, and reminding the cricketing world that Sri Lanka remain genuine contenders for the crown they lifted in style three years ago. Captain Charith Asalanka captured the mood at the pre-match press conference: “It’s important to start on a high. It’s a tough tournament. Every team is here to give a good fight. We are here to give a good fight.”
Yet the team carries scars from recent struggles. Their form has been inconsistent, marked by flashes of brilliance but marred by collapses. A home series defeat to Bangladesh in July dented confidence, and even their series win against Zimbabwe exposed vulnerabilities – none more glaring than the 80-all-out collapse that highlighted their batting fragility.
This time, however, there is greater assurance in the top order. Pathum Nissanka has been dependable, Kusal Mendis has rediscovered form, and together they offer the kind of stability Sri Lanka have often lacked. Kusal Perera brings attacking flair, while Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis add flexibility in the middle. Young Kamil Mishara, learning fast, has shown glimpses of promise. Questions remain over finishing power, but the presence of Dasun Shanaka and Hasaranga gives them proven firepower in pressure moments. “In T20s, the top three batters carry a lot of responsibility as they face most of the overs. For us, Pathum and Mendis have given some good starts, and we’ve got Kamil Mishara at number three who has been in good touch. That’s a very positive sign,” Asalanka said.
Sri Lanka’s squad has trained rigorously since arriving in Abu Dhabi, with three sessions already completed, sharpening plans to cover every angle.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, come into the game on a wave of confidence. Their comfortable win over Hong Kong in the opening match has settled early nerves, and their rare series victory against Sri Lanka last year has given them belief. Their bowling attack is their strongest weapon. Taskin Ahmed brings pace and discipline, Mustafizur Rahman remains a master of the death overs, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib offers depth with the new ball. Off-spinner Mahedi Hasan has become a powerplay threat, while leg-spinner Rishad Hossain adds unpredictability, ensuring variety across phases.
Batting, however, remains Bangladesh’s biggest concern. Their line-ups have repeatedly suffered collapses, with promising starts too often wasted. Litton Das is their linchpin at the top, capable of dictating the pace of an innings if he settles early. Mahedi Hasan has also emerged as a reliable presence in the middle, but the lack of consistent partnerships continues to undermine them.
The rivalry between the two sides adds extra spice. Since the fiery Nidahas Trophy encounters of 2018, Sri Lanka versus Bangladesh has become one of the most talked-about contests in Asian cricket. Fans expect emotion, edge, and drama, and both teams rarely disappoint. Tonight promises another chapter in that rivalry – one where the stakes are amplified by the tournament’s unforgiving format.
On paper, the balance looks even. Sri Lanka’s unorthodox pace meets Bangladesh’s disciplined seam attack. Sri Lanka’s steadier batting order faces Bangladesh’s probing bowlers. For Bangladesh, the key lies in preventing batting meltdowns under pressure. For Sri Lanka, it is about executing their plans with conviction and not letting early opportunities slip away.
Lose tonight, and the road to the Super Fours becomes perilous. Win, and momentum shifts decisively in their favor. Both captains know the weight of expectation, the demands of fans, and the unforgiving nature of tournament cricket.
Sri Lanka probable XI: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana
Bangladesh squad from: Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Shaif Uddin
The scene is set in Abu Dhabi. For Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, it is more than just a group-stage clash. It is a battle of pride, belief, and survival in Asia’s premier cricket contest.
