Sri Lanka Crush Bangladesh by Six Wickets in Asia Cup Clash
Sri Lanka delivered a clinical all-round performance to hammer Bangladesh by six wickets in a one-sided Men’s T20 Asia Cup group stage encounter, wrapping up the chase with a dominant 32 balls to spare.
Chasing 140, Sri Lanka’s top order made light work of the modest target, thanks to Pathum Nissanka's fluent 50 and Kamil Mishara's unbeaten 46, cruising to 140 for 4 in 14.4 overs after Bangladesh had posted just 139 for 5.
A Fiery Start and a Composed Finish
The match was billed as a potential thriller between two evenly matched teams — locked at 8-8 in T20Is across the last decade — but it turned out to be a one-sided affair from the outset.
Bangladesh were rocked early, reduced to 0 for 2 after Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera opened with consecutive wicket maidens. They never truly recovered, despite an impressive 86-run unbroken partnership between Shamim Hossain (42)* and Jaker Ali (41)* that lifted them from 53 for 5 to a semblance of respectability.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by the returning Wanindu Hasaranga (2 for 25), kept the pressure on throughout the innings, with Bangladesh managing just 139 for 5 in their 20 overs.
Nissanka and Mishara Make It Look Easy
Sri Lanka’s chase got off to a brisk start, and while they lost a couple of wickets, the result never looked in doubt. Pathum Nissanka was the aggressor early, racing to 50 off 34 balls, and in the process, became the fastest Sri Lankan to 2000 T20I runs.
He was ably supported by Kamil Mishara, who smashed 46 not out from 32 balls, anchoring the innings after Nissanka’s departure and ensuring there were no late stumbles.
The win not only earned Sri Lanka two crucial points, but also gave them a significant net run rate boost — potentially crucial in this tightly contested group of death.
Match Summary
Bangladesh – 139/5 in 20 overs
(Shamim Hossain 42*, Jaker Ali 41*, Hasaranga 2-25)
Sri Lanka – 140/4 in 14.4 overs
(Pathum Nissanka 50, Kamil Mishara 46*, Mahedi Hasan 2-29)
Result: Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets
Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Player of the Match: Pathum Nissanka
What's Next?
For Bangladesh, the loss comes as a major setback after their sluggish win over Hong Kong, and they now face an uphill task to qualify for the Super Four stage.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, are firmly in control of their group and will be brimming with confidence heading into their next clash — boosted by Hasaranga's successful return from injury and a top-order that looks in peak form.
From the Camps
“It was important to start strong and take early wickets — the bowlers set the tone perfectly. Nissanka and Mishara finished the job with maturity and aggression.”
— Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka captain
“We never got going with the bat. Credit to their new-ball bowlers, but we needed more intent early. The partnership at the end was the only positive today.”
— Litton Das, Bangladesh captain
As the Asia Cup heats up, Sri Lanka have thrown down the gauntlet — and Bangladesh are left searching for answers.