HIGHLIGHTS Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2025, 5 T20- Result, Scorecard

Back for the chase! The players of Bangladesh are out, forming a final huddle, where the skipper Litton Das gives a pep talk before they spread out to take their respective positions. Also, walk out the two openers of Sri Lanka, where Pathum Nissanka will open the innings alongside Kusal Mendis. Also, Shoriful Islam has the new ball in his hands, and he will start the proceedings with a slip in place. Here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Now, it’s over to Sri Lanka’s batters, and while 140 might not look like a mountain, it can still be a tricky chase under the lights in Abu Dhabi. The ball has been gripping for the spinners, and the Bangladeshi seamers will look to exploit any movement upfront just like the Lankan quicks did earlier. A couple of early wickets could suddenly make this chase interesting, especially with the pressure of a tournament game and the pitch slowing down in the second innings. On the flip side, if Sri Lanka’s experienced top order settles in, they have more than enough firepower to make this chase a stroll. So, will we see another collapse like Bangladesh’s first half, or will Sri Lanka cruise home with authority? The chase is about to begin, so don't go anywhere.

A fightback then. Jaker and Shamim played with patience first and then authority, putting together an unbeaten 86-run stand for the sixth wicket. Shamim looked fluent, while Jaker was solid. The duo picked boundaries at the right moments, especially against Dasun Shanaka and Matheesha Pathirana, whose expensive spells shifted the momentum back. Even though Chameera came back brilliantly at the death with pinpoint yorkers, Bangladesh had done enough to drag themselves to a competitive total. From 53/5 to 139/5, it has been a rescue mission well executed.

Charith Asalanka won the toss and chose to field, and the new-ball bowlers responded with fire. Nuwan Thushara bowled a testing first over, making Tanzid Hasan look like a passenger before rattling his stumps. Dushmantha Chameera followed it up by removing Parvez Hossain Emon, and suddenly, Bangladesh were 0/2 after two consecutive Wicket-Maidens. Tawhid Hridoy’s nervy stay ended with a self-inflicted run-out, Mahedi Hasan was trapped by Wanindu Hasaranga, and when Litton Das fell after scratching around for 28, the scoreboard showed 53/5 inside 10 overs. At that point, Bangladesh looked like they’d struggle to even touch 100.

SCRAPPY AND GRITTY. That was an innings of two halves. Bangladesh stumbled horribly early, losing half their side for just 53, but thanks to a fighting 86-run partnership between Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain, they clawed their way to 139/5, giving something to their bowlers to bowl. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s bowlers were superb for most of the night, yet they’ll feel they let things slip in the middle after such a dominating start.

Dushmantha Chameera to Jaker Ali, Dushmantha Chameera nails the yorker in, on the stumps. Jaker Ali drills it down to long on. Just a single off the last ball. 8 off the final over. Dushmantha Chameera ends his spell with respectable figures of 4-1-17-1. BANGLADESH FINISH AT 139/5!

Dushmantha Chameera to Jaker Ali, FOUR! The margin of error is razor-thin in this format! Chameera misses the yorker, by just a yard. Full and outside off. Jaker Ali hits through the line, and smashes it over cover for a cracking boundary.

Dushmantha Chameera to Jaker Ali, Excellent stuff from Chameera! Keeps bowling full, at 141.2 kph, just outside the off stump. Jaker Ali shuffles across to scoop. First, he looks to scoop, but then tries for the reverse ramp, but misses and is hit on the front pad.

Dushmantha Chameera to Jaker Ali, A searing yorker, at 144.1 kph, on the leg stump, with just a bit of tail into the batter. Jaker Ali almost falls over while jamming his bat down and manages to flick it to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Dushmantha Chameera to Shamim Hossain, Another wide yorker, outside off, Hossain shovels it out and drives it to deep cover for a single.

Dushmantha Chameera to Shamim Hossain, Good start for Chameera! Pace on at 142.7 kph, full and outside off. Shamim Hossain carves it out, beside the pitch, on the off side.

With that big 19th over, which went for 18 runs, Bangladesh are pushing hard to get the 140-mark. Clearly, Matheesha Pathirana hasn't looked in rhythm. But here is Dushmantha Chameera to bowl out and close the inning. He has been pretty accurate with his yorkers so far and a change of pace.

Matheesha Pathirana to Shamim Hossain, Low full toss again, on middle. Hossain pushes it to mid off for a quick run. An expensive outing for Matheesha Pathirana with the ball. He goes for 18 runs in the final over and wraps his spell with figures of 4-0-42-0.

Matheesha Pathirana to Jaker Ali, Spotting Jaker shaping for the scoop shot, Matheesha Pathirana spears in a yorker, but it goes as a full toss, on middle. Ali somehow manages to squeeze it off the toe end of the bat towards mid-wicket for a single.

Matheesha Pathirana to Jaker Ali, Full delivery, outside the off stump. Jaker reaches for it and slashes it to the right of Dasun Shanaka at deep point for a couple of runs.

Matheesha Pathirana to Jaker Ali, Chance? Full ball, outside the off pole. Jaker Ali swings hard and lofts it over the mid off region. Charith Asalanka, from long off, runs forward and dives to catch it, but the ball dips and lands just short of him. The ball then deflects off his leg and rolls to Asalanka's right for a couple of runs.

Matheesha Pathirana to Jaker Ali, WIDE! Dear me, this is sloppy bowling! Outside the wide guideline, full in length. Jaker Ali reaches for it and tries to carve it out to the off side. Misses. Wide given! Third of the over already.

Matheesha Pathirana to Jaker Ali, Full and straight, outside off at 141.7 kph. Jaker Ali clears the front leg and tries to smash it over mid off. Ends up slicing it over the in-field and to the left of long off for a couple.

Matheesha Pathirana to Jaker Ali, WIDE! Not helping for Sri Lanka! Tries to keep that away from the batter's arc. Full and beyond the tramline, outside off. Jaker Ali throws the kitchen sink at it to go over cover, but misses. Wide called.

Matheesha Pathirana to Shamim Hossain, Under pressure, clearly, is Pathirana! A wayward delivery, full and down leg. Hossain misses to flick and the keeper, Kusal Mendis, too fails to gather it cleanly on the dive to his right. Parries the ball behind to the deep fine leg region. They cross.

Matheesha Pathirana to Shamim Hossain, SIX! THAT HAS GONE MILES! A rare loosener from Matheesha Pathirana, as this is served into the slot, on middle. Shamim Hossain readies to punish the half volley. Swings across and whips it off the middle of the bat, depositing it behind deep backward square leg for half a dozen. Shamim Hossain moves into the 40s now!

How much score would Bangladesh want from here? At least 140? As they need to give something to their bowlers to defend, and the last three overs have been pretty excellent for Sri Lanka, where they gave away just 20 runs. Also, Matheesha Pathirana is to bowl the penultimate over.

Dushmantha Chameera to Jaker Ali, A pinpoint yorker, around off, jammed out by Jaker, but only toward the bowler.  What a brilliant over from Dushmantha Chameera. No doubts why Asalanka saved his best man for the last. He still has an over left in his bank. His figures read 3-1-9-1 so far.

Dushmantha Chameera to Shamim Hossain, Cannons a full ball, around off. Shamim Hossain switches stance, trying for the reverse scoop, but the ball smashes his left boot and runs towards the short fine leg region for a leg bye.

Dushmantha Chameera to Jaker Ali, Excellent yorker, at 141.3 kph, around off. Jaker Ali clears the front leg to get underneath the ball, but only manages to drill it to the mid off region for a single. It's been 19 legal balls, including this one, since the last boundary for Bangladesh!

Dushmantha Chameera to Jaker Ali, Slips a full toss, angling onto the pads. Jaker Ali swings to whip that over the square leg region, but gets no timing on that. Hits it off the higher part of the bat and it rolls through square leg for two.

Dushmantha Chameera to Shamim Hossain, So far, a quiet over from Chameera! Wide yorker, well outside off, at 144.5 kph. Shamim Hossain throws his bat away by bending a bit and carves it through cover for a single.

Dushmantha Chameera to Jaker Ali, Nails a yorker, at 137.6 kph, on off, Jaker Ali jams the bat down in time and digs it across to mid-wicket for a single.

Dushmantha Chameera to Jaker Ali, WIDE! He will have to reload that one. Misses the radar completely, does Chameera. Sprays it miles down leg. Jaker leaves. A fantastic diving grab by Kusal Mendis, to his left. Wide called.

Another change. Dushmantha Chameera returns to the attack. He will bowl the 18th and most likely the 20th over. 2-1-3-1 so far.

Nuwan Thushara to Shamim Hossain, Clever bowling, this! A wide yorker, just inches inside the tramline, outside off. Shamim leaves. Just 6 off the over. 13 runs from the last 2 overs for Bangladesh!

Nuwan Thushara to Jaker Ali, Full in length, and wide on off. Jaker Ali creates room and he drags it to long on for a run.

Nuwan Thushara to Shamim Hossain, Too full and outside off, at 131.9 kph, carved out to the cover region for a single.

Nuwan Thushara to Shamim Hossain, Swing and a miss, but an excellent effort in the deep by Kusal Perera. Slower cutter, on a good length, just outside off. Shamim Hossain swings his bat to pull, but is months early and misses to connect. The ball shoots low and to the left of the keeper, running behind to the ropes. However, Kusal Perera, from deep fine leg, runs across, dives and intercepts the ball cleanly, before the ropes. Saves two for his side as the batters run two byes. The 50-run partnership is up between Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain.

Nuwan Thushara to Jaker Ali, Low full toss, on middle, Jaker Ali drills it to the right of long on for an easy single.

Nuwan Thushara to Shamim Hossain, Thushara spears in a fuller delivery on middle and leg. Shamim Hossain flicks it along the turf to widish mid-wicket for a single.

Change? Yes, Nuwan Thushara is back. He will bowl out here. 3-1-13-1 so far.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Shamim Hossain, Onto the pads, on a length, nudged off the back foot through square leg for one. 100 UP FOR BANGLADESH! Excellent bowling spell from Wanindu Hasaranga as he wraps up with figures of 4-0-25-2.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Shamim Hossain, IN THE AIR... LANDS SAFE! A googly, full and around off, tossed up nicely. Shamim Hossain creates room as he stays leg side and lofts it inside out, over covers. Hits it more off the toe end, but luckily for him, the ball lands wide of the chasing long off fielder for a couple of runs.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Jaker Ali, A deceptive googly, spinning into the leg stump. Jaker Ali sweeps it off the inside edge towards the fine leg region for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Shamim Hossain, Fuller ball, on middle, Shamim Hossain sweeps it off the toe end, to the left of deep square leg fielder, Kamil Mishara. A single taken as Mishara mops it up in the deep.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Jaker Ali, Over the stumps now. Spotting Jaker shuffling across off, Wanindu Hasaranga dishes a fuller ball, in front of the stumps, trying to cramp the batter for room. Jaker Ali, however, executes the sweep shot well. Gets a single towards deep square leg.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Shamim Hossain, Dragged length, around off, swept away to deep square leg for a single.

Bangladesh have scored 26 in the last 3 overs. This has been a fighting partnership - adding 40 runs off 31 balls. One of these two will have to bat till the end for a respectable total. Wanindu Hasaranga to bowl out. 3-0-18-2 so far.

Matheesha Pathirana to Shamim Hossain, Goes for a yorker but ends up serving another low full toss, around off, Shamim flicks it off the inside half of the bat to deep mid-wicket for one.

Matheesha Pathirana to Jaker Ali, A low full toss, around middle, eased down to the left of long on for a single.

Matheesha Pathirana to Shamim Hossain, Pitched up, around off, Hossain drives it to the left of mid off. Runs the first hard and wants the second, but Jaker Ali falls over while running, and they settle for a single only.

Matheesha Pathirana to Shamim Hossain, FOUR! SLICED! Full, in the slot, outside off, Shamim Hossain gets down on one knee, picks the length early, and extends his arms to smoke it over mid off for a one-bounce boundary.

Matheesha Pathirana to Jaker Ali, A yorker, around middle, searing in, Jaker looks to flick it but gets a leading edge that rolls away towards cover point. A single taken.

Matheesha Pathirana to Shamim Hossain, Angles it in, full and on the pads, Shamim knocks it down to long on for a single.

17 runs for Bangladesh in the last 2 overs. With the partnership taking a decent shape, have Jaker and Shamim finally decided to change the gears? Also, Will Chameera get one over here? Or is Asalanka saving him entirely for the death overs? Likely so. Matheesha Pathirana to continue. 2-0-15-0 so far.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Jaker Ali, A stifled appeal for LBW, but the umpire shakes his head. Full and around middle and leg, a loopy one, Jaker Ali prods forward and looks to flick it, but misses. Gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the outside of the front pad. Could be sliding down leg.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Shamim Hossain, A bit much shorter and around middle, SH backs away and cuts it to deep point for one.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Shamim Hossain, FOUR! EXCELLENT HIT! Touch short and around middle, Shamim Hossain sits down on one knee, opens his stance and slog-sweeps it. The ball goes a bit uppishly but in the gap and evades the diving deep backward square leg fielder to his right for a boundary.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Shamim Hossain, Full and around middle, reverse-swept it to short third.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Shamim Hossain, Tossed it up and around middle, Shamim Hossain sits down on one knee and swipes it across to the right of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Jaker Ali, Short and around middle, tucked away to deep square leg for a single.

Matheesha Pathirana to Shamim Hossain, Good effort all around but Shamim Hossain is safe. Short of a good length and outside off, Shamim Hossain crouches and cuts it to beat the sliding backward point fielder to his right. He calls for two and pushes hard for it. However, the fielder from deep point runs across to his right, picks up the ball and throws it to the batting end. The keeper Kusal Mendis does well to get up to the stumps and flicks the ball to score in a direct hit backwards through his legs after collecting the ball. The Lankans are convinced, and they appeal for a run out before it is referred upstairs. The third umpire is called in, and the replays show that Shamim Hossain is just inside the crease, sliding his bat in with a valiant full-length dive in front of him. Pretty hard and tough for two runs.

Run out chance? Looks touch and go, to be very honest. Not so on the replay, though. A full-stretch acrobatic dive from Shamim Hossain saves him. The bat has been clearly dragged into the crease before the stumps are hit. NOT OUT!

Matheesha Pathirana to Shamim Hossain, FOUR! SHOT! Short of a length and around middle, Shamim Hossain presses back and pulls it down in front of the square on the leg side to beat the running deep square leg fielder to his right for a boundary.

Matheesha Pathirana to Jaker Ali, Hard length and outside off, Jaker waits, opens his bat face and runs it down to deep third for one.

Matheesha Pathirana to Shamim Hossain, Short of a length and wide outside off, Shamim Hossain rises with the bounce and flat-bats it to sweeper cover off the toe end of the bat. A single taken.

Matheesha Pathirana to Shamim Hossain, Lands it full and outside off, driven down straight to mid off from the front foot.

Matheesha Pathirana to Jaker Ali, Pitches it up and wide outside off, Jaker Ali shuffles a bit and drives it through covers for one.

Matheesha Pathirana (1-0-6-0) is back into the attack, replacing Dasun Shanaka.

Charith Asalanka to Jaker Ali, Flatter and shorter, around off, Ali knocks it down to long on for one. Bangladesh are 67/5.

Charith Asalanka to Shamim Hossain, Short and turning away, outside off, SH makes room and cuts it to deep backward point for one.

Charith Asalanka to Jaker Ali, Slower and in the slot, around middle, Jaker sits down on one knee, opens his stance and slog-sweeps it but straight to deep mid-wicket. Gets just a single.

Charith Asalanka to Shamim Hossain, CA drags his length back and bowls it around leg, Shamim tries to tuck it towards backward square leg, but misses and the ball deflects off the pads, rolling into the leg side. The batters cross for a leg bye.

Charith Asalanka to Shamim Hossain, Lands it full and around middle, Shamim Hossain backs away and lofts it inside out over covers. Picks up two runs before the wide long off fielder cuts it off to his right.

Charith Asalanka to Jaker Ali, Slower but on the pads, nudged away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Dasun Shanaka to Shamim Hossain, Nagging length and down leg, Shamim Hossain gets across and tries to pick it up to scoop it but falls over almost. Ends up missing his shot and wearing it high on the thigh pads. The ball rolls back to the bowler. Both batters try to sneak a leg bye but decide not to take it in the end as the bowler quickly moves forward and reaches the ball.

Dasun Shanaka to Jaker Ali, Pitched up and on the pads, Ali flicks it to deep square leg for one more.

Dasun Shanaka to Jaker Ali, EDGED AND FOUR! Short of a length and around middle, and gets some extra bounce off the deck as the ball shoots up unexpectedly. Jaker Ali hops and looks to pull it but as the ball gets extra bounce, it takes the top edge of the bat and flies over the leaping keeper behind the wickets for a boundary.

Dasun Shanaka to Shamim Hossain, On a length but sliding on the pads, SH flicks it in the gap towards deep square leg and takes a single.

Dasun Shanaka to Shamim Hossain, Hard length and on the top of the off stump, Hossain gets across and rises with the bounce before tapping it towards cover.

Dasun Shanaka to Shamim Hossain, Back of a length and outside off, Shamim Hossain shuffles and gets close to the pitch of the ball. He tries to cut it but ends up chopping it towards backward point, where Wanindu Hasaranga moves to his right, slides in and cuts it off.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Shamim Hossain, Around the stumps, with a slip in position for the southpaw. On a length, drifting into the batter, around middle and off. Shamim Hossain hangs deep in the crease and nudges it with soft hands, wide of square leg for a single. Shamim is off the mark. Halfway into the first inning and Bangladesh are huffing and puffing at 54/5.

DRINKS! Sri Lanka is in full control of the match, having taken five wickets so far, while Bangladesh are feeling the pressure. The Sri Lankan bowlers started off strong, first two overs - WICKET MAIDENS. Since then, the pressure has only increased on the Bangladeshi batters. Wanindu Hasaranga has looked particularly threatening, having taken two wickets and could have had a third if a bail had fallen despite the lights turning on. With skipper Litton Das now back in the dugout, Bangladesh need a miracle to post a respectable total. They are in a desperate situation. With that, Shamim Hossain walks in next to bat.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Litton Das, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Wanindu Hasaranga gets his second wicket, and this is a big one in the game's context. Full and on the leg stump line, spinning in back a touch from the deck. Litton Das employs the reverse sweep, but the ball just pops up, and he misses playing the shot. It gets lobbed up, toward the left of the keeper, and Kusal Mendis does the rest with a simple grab. A huge appeal for caught behind now, but the umpire stays unmoved. The Lankans think they have got their man, and this is sent upstairs for a review. Now, the question is whether the ball clipped the left glove of the batter. And even before the technology comes up, Litton Das starts to march back. Finally, the UltraEdge is here and shows a clear spike and the on-field decision is overturned. Litton Das departs for 28 (26), and Bangladesh are 53/5.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Jaker Ali, Tossed up at 85.2 kph, full and on middle. Jaker Ali leans forward and clips it to the mid-wicket region for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Jaker Ali, LUCKY! Very lucky, is Jaker Ali! The Lankans, at the same time, are distraught as the ball hit the off pole, but the zinger bail didn't come off! Fuller delivery by Wanindu Hasaranga, around the off stump line. It lands and grips, turning away just a bit. Jaker Ali takes a giant stride forward to block, but plays well over the line of the ball. Enough gap for the ball to sneak through the bat and pad gap. It smashes into the off stump, and it does light up, but luckily for Jaker, the bail doesn't come off the groove.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Litton Das, Landed fuller and on middle. Litton Das sweeps it over square leg, in front of square for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Jaker Ali, A googly, down the leg stump. Jaker Ali waits back and tries to flick it across, but misses. The ball grazes the thigh pad and runs behind to the right of short fine leg. They pinch in a leg bye.

Dasun Shanaka to Jaker Ali, Short of a length, around off and middle. Jaker Ali hops on the crease and nudges it through square leg. Runs the first one very hard, and sniffs the second, but the fielder in the deep is quick to run in and prevent another run. Just a single then. 7 off this over. 14 from the last 2 overs for Bangladesh.

Dasun Shanaka to Jaker Ali, Hard length, outside off, Ali drags it across with the pull shot. Hits it between deep mid-wicket and long for a couple of runs.

Dasun Shanaka to Litton Das, Hurls it full and on the leg stump, this is clipped by Das to deep mid-wicket for an easy single.

Dasun Shanaka to Litton Das, Gentle-paced delivery, on a length, outside off, Das plays off the back foot and dabs it to the right of the point fielder. Sharp diving stop by Wanindu Hasaranga to his right.

Dasun Shanaka to Litton Das, On middle, on a short of a length. Litton Das waits for it to arrive and taps it across, towards mid-wicket. Runs the first one hard and calls Jaker through for the second as well. Good running!

Dasun Shanaka to Jaker Ali, Hard-length delivery, on middle. Jaker Ali hangs back and nudges it to deep square leg for a single.

Another change. Dasun Shanaka comes into the attack.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Litton Das, FOUR! Nicely done! Fuller delivery, on the middle stump. Litton Das reads the length early and sweeps it through deep square leg for a boundary.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Litton Das, Turns in, from off, on a fuller length, Das looks to turn it to the leg side, but inside edges onto the front pad.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Litton Das, DECISION OVERTURNED! Smart review by Litton Das. Wanindu Hasaranga dishes out a proper leg break, on a fuller length, in front of the middle stump. Litton Das gets on the front foot and tries to push it, but plays over the line, and the ball passes close to the inside edge, to thud on the front pad. A huge, confident appeal from the Lankans in unison, and the umpire gives his verdict straightaway. Litton Das, though, has gone upstairs to challenge the on-field decision. Inside edge, maybe? Onto the forensics now. UltraEdge shows a clear spike when the ball is next to the inside edge. NOT OUT! Litton Das can breathe a sigh of relief, at least for now.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Jaker Ali, A googly, on a length, turns in. Jaker hangs deep and turns it wide of mid-wicket for one.

Jaker Ali walks in next to bat.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Mahedi Hasan, OUT! LBW! GONE! Wanindu Hasaranga strikes in his first over, and Bangladesh are 4 down now. Mahedi Hasan is going nowhere, but eventually accepts the verdict as Litton Das thinks it is pretty straight. Wanindu Hasaranga lands it on the money, full and just spins back in a touch from off. Mahedi Hasan plants the front foot out to defend, but plays for the ball to turn and is beaten on the inside edge. Gets rapped on the front pad, there goes an appeal for LBW, and the umpire obliges. Mahedi Hasan departs for 9 (7), and Bangladesh are further dented. They are 38/4 down now.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Mahedi Hasan, Oh, trying to be cheeky already! Wanindu dishes out full and outside off. Mahedi Hasan reverse sweeps it, but gets it more off the edge. The ball runs behind to deep third for a couple of runs.

Change. Wanindu Hasaranga is introduced into the attack.

Matheesha Pathirana to Litton Das, An appeal for caught behind, but only Kusal Mendis and Matheesha Pathirana look interested. The umpire does not entertain it. Short delivery, at the shoulder height of the batter. Litton Das shapes to pull, but misses to connect. Just 6 off that over.

Matheesha Pathirana to Mahedi Hasan, Bumper, on middle, pulled towards deep square leg for a single.

Matheesha Pathirana to Mahedi Hasan, WIDE! Misses the radar, and sprays it outside the tramline on the off side. Wide called.

Matheesha Pathirana to Litton Das, A bit of a mix-up here, but no harm done this time around. Length-delivery, outside off, Das dabs it with soft hands to backwad point and tries to pinch a single, but the fielder, Wanindu Hasaranga, is quick to pick the ball up, compelling Das to retreat back. He ploughs the bat into the popping crease before Hasaranga scores a direct hit. The ball deflects off the sticks and runs towards the square leg region. Eventually, the batters get a single.

Matheesha Pathirana to Mahedi Hasan, Down leg, short in length. Mahedi Hasan swivels and pulls it behind to deep fine leg for a single.

Matheesha Pathirana to Litton Das, Outside off, on a nagging length, punched through the cover region for one.

Matheesha Pathirana to Mahedi Hasan, Matheesha Pathirana is into the attack now. Back of a length, around off, and angling away. Mahedi glides it behind to deep third for a single.

Dasun Shanaka to Litton Das, FOUR! Deftly played! Short of a good length, outside off. Litton Das waits for it to arrive, deliberately opens the bat face and runs this down and wide of short third for a boundary. 14 off this over and Bangladesh end their Powerplay with 30/3 on the board.

Dasun Shanaka to Litton Das, Bounces a bit off the deck, nipping into the batter on a fuller length. Das tries to whip it across but fails to lay bat on ball and gets rapped on the thigh pad.

Dasun Shanaka to Litton Das, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for the Bangladeshi skipper! Even more convincing this time around, as Das skips down the track and slashes this length ball hard, through the left of the diving cover fielder, for a cracking boundary.

Dasun Shanaka to Litton Das, FOUR! Up and over! Touch full and angling on middle and leg. Litton Das plays a little chip over wide mid on for a boundary.

Dasun Shanaka to Litton Das, Nagging length, around off, punched to the off side.

Dasun Shanaka to Litton Das, Oh, nearly carried! Hang on, it is a DROPPED catch! The second one so far. A bit of bounce and movement, good length, outside off. Litton Das is caught in the crease and just pokes at it away from the body. Gets a thick outside edge, and the ball dips low in front of the first slip fielder. He dives forward, even gets a hand on the ball, but it pops in and out of his palms. Two taken.

Will Chameera also get his third? Nope. He won't. Probably being reserved for the death overs. Here's Dasun Shanaka into the attack, replacing Chameera.

Nuwan Thushara to Mahedi Hasan, On the fuller side and outside off, shaping away a touch as well. Hasan lets it go. Bangladesh are 16/3 with one over to go for the Powerplay.

Nuwan Thushara to Mahedi Hasan, FOUR! That will give some confidence to the new batter! A low full toss, around middle, Mahedi Hasan prods forward and drills it to beat the diving mid off fielder to his left for a cracking boundary on his first ball.

Nuwan Thushara to Litton Das, Pitched up and down leg, fliccked away to deep backward square leg for a single.

Mahedi Hasan is in at 5.

Nuwan Thushara to Tawhid Hridoy, OUT! TAWHID HRIODY IS RUN OUT! Gone on the very next ball, and that drop on the previous ball hasn't cost much to Sri Lanka, as Bangladesh have further slipped to 11/3. Back of a length, around middle, angling in. Hridoy gets up on his toes and tucks it towards deep mid-wicket. Both batters run hard and take two runs. But they want one more and try to sneak a single more. However, the fielder in the deep, Kamil Mishara, is quick to get to the ball as he gets across to his left from deep square leg, picks up the ball and aims the throw to the bowling end after seeing where the batter is short. Kamil has scored a direct hit, and there goes an appeal for run out from the Lankans. The third umpire is called in, and Tawhid Hridoy is found short, despite putting in a valiant full-length dive. Hridoy walks back for 8 (9), and the Lankans are all pumped up as they celebrate the wicket. There was no need for this from Bangladesh, and they might regret it.

Direct hit and gone? The throw is at the non-striker's end, and Tawhid Hridoy looks in huge trouble. The side-on replay shows that Hridoy is clearly short of his crease. OUT loads up on the giant screen!

Nuwan Thushara to Tawhid Hridoy, IN THE AIR AND DROPPED! Would you believe it? The skipper, Charith Asalanka, is the culprit. A fuller delivery, just outside off, moving away, Tawhid Hridoy plants his front leg forward a touch and looks to go for a big lofted shot down the ground. But as the ball skids through, he ends up mistiming it off the toe end of the bat. The ball goes miles up in the air towards mid off. Asalanka backtracks it from there and tries to take it above his head, but fails to hold onto it. Spills out, and both batters take two runs. How costly will it prove? Nuwan Thushara isn't clearly impressed as he has a sheepish smile.

Nuwan Thushara to Tawhid Hridoy, Nuwan, in his third over straight, bowls a fuller delivery, outside off, moving away. Tawhid Hridoy uses his feet and drives it, but finds the cover fielder.

Dushmantha Chameera to Litton Das, Nagging length and around middle, Das gets cramped and only manages to just push it to the right of the bowler. Bangladesh are clearly struggling as they have just 7/2 after four overs of the Powerplay in an important clash.

Dushmantha Chameera to Litton Das, Angles in, hard length and around middle, Das gets across but punches it down to mid on.

Dushmantha Chameera to Litton Das, Just a casual shot! Back of a length, moving away, wide outside off, Litton Das hangs his bat in order to cut it but gets beaten past the outside edge. The Lankan bowlers have been pretty accurate so far.

Dushmantha Chameera to Litton Das, Short of a good length and well outside off, further moving away, Litton hangs back and dabs it down to backward point.

Dushmantha Chameera to Litton Das, BEATEN! Back of a length, shaping away, outside off, Litton Das throws his hands at it and looks to just push but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Dushmantha Chameera to Tawhid Hridoy, Full, angling in, around middle, Tawhid Hridoy leans onto the ball and flicks it to the right of mid-wicket. The mid-wicket fielder hunts it down but both batters push each other and take three runs. Excellent running between the wickets.

Nuwan Thushara to Litton Das, Another full toss, above knee roll, around middle, Litton just uses his wrists and tucks it in the gap to the left of deep square leg. Picks up two runs. Bangladesh are 4/2 after 3 overs.

Nuwan Thushara to Tawhid Hridoy, Pitched up, moving away, outside off, TH prods forward and squeezes it to deep third man for a single to get off the mark as well.

Nuwan Thushara to Tawhid Hridoy, Nuwan slips out a full toss after seeing the batter coming down the track and keeps it outside off. Hridoy adjusts his shot and just dabs it down with soft hands to extra cover.

Nuwan Thushara to Tawhid Hridoy, Hard length and shaping away, outside off, Tawhid Hridoy taps it down to cover point off the back foot.

Nuwan Thushara to Litton Das, Finally, Bangladesh get their inning underway with a single! Full and angling in, on the pads, Litton flicks it to deep square leg for a single to get off the mark.

Nuwan Thushara to Litton Das, Full and around off, seaming back in, Das drives it to mid off without any footwork.

Dushmantha Chameera to Tawhid Hridoy, ANOTHER WICKET MAIDEN! On a good length and outside off, Hridoy presses back and drops it down back to the bowler.

Dushmantha Chameera to Tawhid Hridoy, On a length and outside off, Tawhid shuffles and dabs it down towards cover point.

Tawhid Hridoy is in at number 4.

Dushmantha Chameera to Parvez Hossain Emon, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! GONE! WOW! Dushmantha Chameera also struck in his first over, and Bangladesh have slumped to 0/2 in the first ten balls of the match. Back of a length, angling away outside off, and gets some extra bounce as well on this occasion. Parvez Hossain Emon goes deep in his crease and throws his hands at it. He looks to push at it, but plays away from the body. The ball gets big on him due to the extra bounce and takes the outside edge of the bat. Travels behind the wickets, where Kusal Mendis moves to his left a bit and takes a fine catch. Emon departs for 0 (4) and both openers are back in the hut without troubling the scorers. The Lankans are charged up and understandably so.

Dushmantha Chameera to Parvez Hossain Emon, Nine dots in the row for Bangladesh, and this has been some start from Sri Lankan bowlers. Another hitting the deck hard delivery, outside off, moving away with an angle. Parvez Hossain Emon gets across on the back foot and looks to swipe it across but misses.

Dushmantha Chameera to Parvez Hossain Emon, Hard length, skidding away, outside off, Emon looks to pull it across the line but connects with thin air only.

Dushmantha Chameera to Parvez Hossain Emon, Nagging length and around middle, tucked it away to mid-wicket off the front foot.

How about that for a start, eh? A wicket-maiden from Nuwan Thushara to get things going. Here's Dushmantha Chameera to operate from the far end. And the Bangladeshi skipper, Litton Das, walks in at number 3.

Nuwan Thushara to Tanzid Hasan, OUT! KNOCKED HIM OVER! What a first over from Nuwan Thushara as he has his man on the last ball, and it is a near-perfect start for Sri Lanka against their arch-rivals. Nuwan goes a bit fuller and keeps the line around off. Gets the ball to skid through a touch as well. Tanzid Hasan tries to plant his front leg across and looks to flick it across the line, but misses as he loses his shape in that process. The ball beats the inside edge of the bat and crashes into the off stump, which goes cartwheeled towards the keeper. The pressure of five dot balls has definitely lured the batter to try something across the line, and Tanzid departs for 0 (6). Bangladesh are 0/1 after the first over, and Nuwan Thushara is all smiles as he celebrates the wicket with his teammates.

Nuwan Thushara to Tanzid Hasan, Make it five! An excellent start by Nuwan Thushara! Another full toss, outside off, Hasan uses his feet and gets cramped a bit, Drills it straight to mid off.

Nuwan Thushara to Tanzid Hasan, Nagging length and around middle, holds its line, Hasan punches it back off the inside half of the bat to the bowler. Four dots on the row.

Nuwan Thushara to Tanzid Hasan, Pitched up, around middle, a hint of inward movement, Tanzid takes a step forward and looks to flick it but gets it off the inside half of the bat to mid-wicket.

Nuwan Thushara to Tanzid Hasan, Swings back in, on the fuller side but the line is around the leg stump. Tanzid comes forward and looks to flick it but misses. Gets beaten on the inside edge and gets hit high on the thigh pad. The ball rolls back to the bowler.

Nuwan Thushara to Tanzid Hasan, Starts with a low full toss, outside off, Tanzid Hasan leans onto the ball and drives it but finds the extra cover fielder.

Done with 'Sri Lanka Matha' and 'Amar Shonar Bangla', and all other pre-match formalities. No doubt, this growing rivalry between these two nations has been a giant crowd-puller. We can see that in the stands as fans have flocked in large numbers to support their beloved sides. It is time to get going in Match number 5 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The umpires make their way to the middle. Charith Asalanka leads his men out of the brief huddle talk, as the Lankans scatter across the field to take their positions. Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan walk out to open for Bangladesh. And it will be the slingy pacer, Nuwan Thushara, to bowl the first over of the game. Will he get some swing first up? Hasan to face. Here we go...

The stage is set, but before the action, it's time for the national anthems, with the match officials and players from both sides lined up. A moment of honour and respect before the battle begins. It will be Sri Lanka's first, followed by Bangladesh's.

PITCH REPORT - Bazid Khan is pitchside for his analysis. Informs that it is a fresh pitch with a tinge of grass. Reckons that the ball will skid a little, and the length ball will be a bit difficult for the batters to hit through the line. Opines that chasing might be a better option on this track. Matt Floyd joins in and says that it is a bit breezy and points out that it will be better if the batters try and hit into the wind. Bazid further mentions that it might quicken up a bit as the game progresses.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (C), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, and Nuwan Thushara.

Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (C/WK), Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam (In place of Taskin Ahmed), and Mustafizur Rahman.

The skipper of Bangladesh, Litton Das, says that they don’t mind batting first as the wicket looks good. Reflecting on the first game, he mentions that while Bangladesh played good cricket, there are still areas that need improvement. To win matches, he stresses, every aspect has to click together. Informs that Taskin Ahmed misses out, with Shoriful Islam coming into the XI.

The captain of Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka, says it looks like a fresh pitch, and hence, that is the reason behind bowling first. Adds that they are looking to keep the momentum going, being the defending champions of the T20I format. Informs that Wanindu Hasaranga is fit and back in the side, and also shares that they are going with a 7-4 combination, with three all-rounders.

TOSS - The flip of the coin lands in favour of Sri Lanka, and the skipper, Charith Asalanka, has elected to FIELD first.

So, what can we expect today? A battle of fine margins. Sri Lanka’s pedigree against Bangladesh’s new aggressive blueprint makes this a must-watch. Head-to-head overall, the numbers tilt slightly Sri Lanka’s way with 12 wins to Bangladesh’s 8, but in recent times, the Tigers have struck back strongly, including a 2-1 series win in Sri Lanka just this July. Group B is unforgiving, with Afghanistan also in the mix, so the loser here will be staring at a tough road to qualification. Expect spin to play a role on the Abu Dhabi pitch, with names like Hasaranga and Rishad to shoulder responsibility. With all of that, stay tuned for the toss and team lineups!

On the flip side, we have Bangladesh. What’s their edge? Momentum and a new mindset. Under power-hitting coach Julian Wood, Bangladesh are gearing their approach for next year’s T20I World Cup, and the signs are already showing. In their opening game against Hong Kong, China, Litton Das played a captain’s knock of 59 off 39, supported by Tawhid Hridoy, as they chased 144 with ease. Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib picked up two wickets each, while leg-spinner Rishad Hossain once again proved why he’s becoming a key figure. They ticked most of the boxes in their first match, but the question, however, is whether they can bring the same intent against stronger attacks. 

Let’s know a bit about the lions first. What does Sri Lanka need from this match? A confident start and a settled combination. The Charith Asalanka-led side warmed up with a 2-1 series victory over Zimbabwe, but the scars of inconsistency still linger, as their collapse to 80 all out in one of those matches is fresh in memory. The return of Wanindu Hasaranga, fit again after a hamstring injury, is a massive boost, giving them a proven match-winner with both bat and ball. Pathum Nissanka has been in sublime T20I form this year, and his Powerplay runs will be crucial. But can the bowlers click together? That remains the question. With Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara likely to take the new ball, supported by Hasaranga’s guile, Sri Lanka will need balance to stay alive in this group where every slip could be fatal.

THE TIGERS vs THE LIONS! Are you up for a growing modern-day Asian rivalry that has produced drama, heated moments, and unforgettable contests? But one can ask, why does this clash feel different from the others in the Asia Cup 2025? Because when Sri Lanka and Bangladesh meet, it’s not just about cricket. Now, in the ‘Group of Death’ of this Asia Cup, where every point matters, the opening battle between these two could shape the road to qualification. Sri Lanka, six-time champions, begin their campaign at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, while Bangladesh already have two points on the board. On that note, you are welcome to our coverage of the fifth match.

... MATCH DAY ...

A new chapter is set to unfold in a rivalry that has grown increasingly fiery in recent years as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka face off at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Group B has long been billed as the 'group of death' with Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Hong Kong, China all competing for just two Super Four spots. The stakes are high, and two points from this clash could prove decisive in shaping the qualification race. While Sri Lanka are yet to begin their campaign, Bangladesh already have a win under their belt, albeit a hard-fought one against Hong Kong, China. The Litton Das-led side were favourites and ultimately secured the points, but not without being tested. Hong Kong, China were restricted to 143 with Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Rishad Hossain among the wickets, although the overall bowling effort left room for improvement, particularly at the death. In the chase, Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy steadied the innings after a brisk start. Boundaries were hard to come by in the middle overs, so the duo kept the scoreboard ticking with busy running between the wickets. That approach could become the blueprint for Bangladesh’s batting unit on surfaces where big shots are difficult to clear. Sri Lanka, champions of the last T20I edition of the Asia Cup in 2022, have not had the smoothest build-up. They lost a home T20I series to Bangladesh in July and were pushed hard in Zimbabwe more recently. However, the return of Wanindu Hasaranga from a hamstring injury is a massive boost, not only with the ball but also as part of a strong pool of all-rounders that includes Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne and Janith Liyanage. Pathum Nissanka has shouldered much of the batting burden this year, but Sri Lanka will need Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis to find form if they are to go deep into the tournament. On the bowling front, Dushmantha Chameera has made a strong return to the T20I setup through the Zimbabwe series and will aim to carry that rhythm into this tournament. He is expected to spearhead the attack, with Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando and Matheesha Pathirana providing the support cast. Maheesh Theekshana has not quite hit the heights he is known for this year, and Sri Lanka will hope he rediscovers his best form on the big stage. As Bangladesh look to build on their opening win and Sri Lanka begin their campaign with renewed confidence, who are you backing to come out on top in this high-stakes Group B clash?