Sri Lanka down Bangladesh to open Asia Cup campaign with convincing win

DUBAI: Sri Lanka sealed a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in their crucial Asia Cup 2025 Group B clash in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

The Lankan pacers made the difference early on, with Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera bowling wicket maidens to begin the innings — making Sri Lanka only the second-ever T20I side to achieve that feat. Along with spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, they reduced Bangladesh to 53/5.

However, Shamim Hossain (42) and Jaker Ali (41) stitched together a record 86-run sixth-wicket partnership to take Bangladesh to 139/5 in 20 overs.

In reply, Pathum Nissanka anchored the chase with a fluent half-century, while Kamil Mishara capitalised on a dropped chance to guide Sri Lanka home with 5.2 overs to spare.

The win gave Sri Lanka the perfect start to their Asia Cup campaign, logging an important first victory in Group B.