Bangladesh Opt to Bowl First Against Unchanged Sri Lanka in Asia Cup Super Fours Clash

Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bowl first against Sri Lanka as the Super Fours stage of the Asia Cup 2025 got underway at the Dubai International Stadium. With chasing teams enjoying a 70% win rate at this venue, Bangladesh captain Litton Das said the decision was influenced by the trend, although he admitted some uncertainty about how the used pitch might behave.

Sri Lanka, traditionally comfortable chasing, were not overly concerned about batting first. Stand-in captain Charith Asalanka stated that although the pitch had seen previous action, they were confident with the bat and focused on setting a strong total.

Sri Lanka have made no changes to their playing XI from their last outing. Notably, Dunith Wellalage returns to the squad after briefly leaving due to the passing of his father. His inclusion adds depth to the spin department alongside Wanindu Hasaranga.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, have made two changes. Offspinner Mahedi Hasan returns to the side, likely as a tactical move to counter Sri Lanka’s left-hander-heavy batting line-up. Left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam also makes his way back into the XI, replacing Hasan Mahmud.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, during the pitch report, noted that while the presence of dew later in the evening could aid chasing sides, a dry surface could reverse that advantage. He also pointed out the asymmetrical ground dimensions, with one square boundary significantly shorter than the other—something batters may look to exploit.

Playing XIs

Sri Lanka:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (capt), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara.

Bangladesh:
Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (capt & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.

As the match unfolds, both teams will be looking to start their Super Fours campaign with momentum, with conditions and team combinations set to play a critical role in the outcome.