By Himadullah Sohoo 
Sri Lanka produced a near-perfect performance to dismantle Bangladesh by six wickets in their crucial Asia Cup 2025 Group B clash, chasing down 140 with 32 balls to spare. The result gave Sri Lanka not just two valuable points, but also a healthy net run-rate boost, tightening their grip on Super Four qualification.
For Bangladesh, it was another stuttering display after their laboured chase against Hong Kong. Their batting never fully recovered from Sri Lanka’s blistering new-ball burst, and while Shamim Hossain and Jaker Ali offered resistance, the damage had already been done.
Sri Lanka’s New-Ball Assault
The tone was set within the first two overs. Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera bowled back-to-back wicket maidens, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 0 for 2. Tanzid Hasan was castled by Thushara’s late swing, while Parvez Hossain Emon edged Chameera behind in the next over.
Bangladesh’s troubles deepened when Towhid Hridoy was run out, compounding a disastrous powerplay.
Hasaranga’s Return Shifts the Balance
Making his comeback from injury, Wanindu Hasaranga stamped his authority instantly. The leg-spinner trapped Mahedi Hasan with a trademark wrong’un before removing Litton Das, who had briefly counterattacked with three boundaries off Dasun Shanaka. Hasaranga’s 2 for 25 was a decisive reminder of his match-winning quality.
Shamim and Jaker Offer Resistance
At 53 for 5, Bangladesh seemed destined for another collapse. But Shamim Hossain (42 off 34)* and Jaker Ali (41 off 34)* stitched together an unbeaten 86-run stand, giving their side a fighting chance. Their strike rotation frustrated Sri Lanka, but boundaries remained scarce, with just one six struck in the entire innings.
Bangladesh finished on 139/5, a total that felt below par given Abu Dhabi’s conditions.
Nissanka and Mishara Seal It with Style
Sri Lanka’s reply was emphatic. Pathum Nissanka (50 off 34) played with characteristic fluency, becoming the fastest Sri Lankan to 2000 T20I runs in the process. He found an able ally in *Kamil Mishara (46 off 32)**, who survived an early chance before launching a flurry of boundaries.
Their 95-run stand off 52 balls erased any doubts, ensuring Sri Lanka crossed the line comfortably despite a minor late wobble. Mishara fittingly finished things off and was named Player of the Match.
Brief Scores
Bangladesh 139/5 (20 overs): Shamim Hossain 42* (34), Jaker Ali 41* (34); Wanindu Hasaranga 2/25, Nuwan Thushara 1/17
Sri Lanka 140/4 (14.4 overs): Pathum Nissanka 50 (34), Kamil Mishara 46* (32); Mahedi Hasan 2/29, Tanzim Sakib 1/23
Result: Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets (32 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Kamil Mishara (46* off 32)
Zainab Shafiq