But now, with four teams left standing, the Super Fours promise a fresh start — no points carried forward, no past baggage. First up, it’s Sri Lanka versus Bangladesh in Dubai, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Just days ago, Bangladesh’s fans were rooting for Sri Lanka to beat Afghanistan, a result that guaranteed the Tigers’ qualification into the Super 4s. Ironically, the same Sri Lankan side now stands in their way. Adding spice to this contest is the fact that Bangladesh’s shaky net run rate was largely a result of their earlier loss to Sri Lanka, who chased down 139 in under 15 overs. That blow left Bangladesh heavily reliant on Sri Lanka’s final group-stage win to survive.
For Sri Lanka, while victories over Bangladesh and Afghanistan showcased their strengths, vulnerabilities remain. Their top order has carried much of the batting burden, while the middle order has struggled — ranking last among full-member teams for averages from No.3-7. Wanindu Hasaranga’s rescue act against Hong Kong highlighted both their depth and their dependence on individual brilliance.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, lean heavily on Litton Das, who is close to becoming the nation’s top T20I run-scorer. Yet, they’ve also been guilty of sloppiness, conceding 38 extras — the most in the tournament. Bowling coach Shaun Tait, however, insists the focus is inward: “We know each other fairly well. It’s a good contest.”
With the head-to-head locked at 4-4 since 2024, and Dubai’s spin-friendly pitches expected to play a major role, the stage is set for a balanced, high-stakes clash. Both teams will see this as the perfect chance to grab early momentum in the Super 4s.
