In their opening game, Bangladesh registered a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Hong Kong. Captain Litton Das anchored the chase with a composed 59, but the performance exposed some concerns in the bowling unit. Taskin Ahmed and leg-spinner Rishad Hossain took wickets but also went for runs, an area Bangladesh can ill afford to repeat against stronger opposition.
Sri Lanka, under the leadership of Charith Asalanka, look well-equipped for UAE conditions. Their top order of Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera offers stability, while Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka and Kamindu Mendis bring power and versatility in the middle. The return of Janith Liyanage, who impressed in Zimbabwe with a match-winning knock, adds further options in the lower order.
The bowling is Sri Lanka’s biggest strength. Wanindu Hasaranga’s comeback from injury gives them a world-class spin trio alongside Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage. Slingy pacer Matheesha Pathirana provides variety and wicket-taking threat with the ball.
Bangladesh will count on Litton and Tawhid Hridoy to anchor the batting. Hridoy downplayed concerns over net run rate after the Hong Kong game, saying: “We want to beat Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, so run-rate isn’t what we are worried about at this stage.” He also acknowledged the challenges of the surface, noting the grip and slowness of the pitch.
With Afghanistan (NRR +4.700) far ahead of Bangladesh (+1.001), the pressure is not only to win but to win convincingly. If three teams finish on equal points, run rate could decide the group’s outcome.
Sri Lanka, with six Asia Cup titles, enter as favourites on paper. Bangladesh, still chasing their first crown, must deliver a disciplined display with bat and ball to keep their campaign on track.
