Defending Champions Sri Lanka Crush Bangladesh to Begin Asia Cup 2025 with Dominant Win

Dubai, September 14 (TNA) Former champions Sri Lanka kick-started their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a thumping six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi. The reigning T20 champions from the 2022 edition showcased an all-round performance, first dismantling Bangladesh with lethal bowling and then chasing down the target in just 15 overs.

Put into bowling first, Sri Lankan pacers Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera delivered dream spells, leaving Bangladesh reeling. Astonishingly, the first 14 balls of the innings did not fetch a single run, with both openers dismissed for ducks.

By the 10th over, Bangladesh were struggling at 53 for 5, with captain Litton Das back in the pavilion. A late fightback came from Jaker Ali (41*) and Shamim Hossain (42*), whose unbeaten 86-run stand lifted Bangladesh to a modest 139. Wanindu Hasaranga impressed with two wickets.

In reply, Sri Lanka stumbled early as Kusal Mendis fell cheaply, but Pathum Nissanka (50) and Kamil Mishara (46*) counter-attacked brilliantly. Their explosive 95-run stand off just 52 balls shattered Bangladesh’s hopes. Despite losing three quick wickets later, Sri Lanka comfortably sealed the win in 14.4 overs, announcing their arrival in the tournament with authority.