Bangladesh face a defining test in their Asia Cup 2025 campaign as they take on six-time champions Sri Lanka in a crucial Group B clash on Friday. Litton Das’ side began with a steady win over Hong Kong, but defensive lapses in bowling have left questions ahead of this tougher assignment.
Sri Lanka, led by Charith Asalanka, arrive with pedigree, a well-balanced squad, and the return of Wanindu Hasaranga to strengthen their spin-heavy attack. Both teams know that net run rate could prove decisive in this group, adding extra weight to the contest.
Head-to-head record: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka in T20Is
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have faced each other 20 times in T20 internationals. Sri Lanka hold the upper hand with 12 victories, while Bangladesh have managed 8 wins.
- Total matches: 20
- Bangladesh wins: 8
- Sri Lanka wins: 12
- Tied/No result: 0
Top players to watch: Batters & Bowlers
Batters to watch
Litton Das (BAN): The skipper set the tone in the opening Asia Cup match with a composed 59, guiding Bangladesh to a comfortable chase against Hong Kong.
Pathum Nissanka (SL): Sri Lanka’s consistent opener with 96 runs in 3 T20Is on the Zimbabwe tour at an average of 32.00 and a strike rate of 160.00, highlighted by a half-century.
Bowlers to watch
Tanzim Hasan Sakib (BAN): The young pacer impressed with figures of 1 for 21 in 4 overs, keeping things tight at an economy of 5.25.
Dushmantha Chameera (SL): The experienced pacer who picked up 8 wickets in 3 T20Is against Zimbabwe at an excellent economy rate of 6.83, including best figures of 3/19.
BAN vs. SL betting odds & predictions: Who has the edge?
According to Dafabet, Sri Lanka are favourites at 1.57, while Bangladesh are priced at 2.40 to win this Group B clash. The odds reflect Sri Lanka’s stronger recent form and their depth in both batting and spin options.
Odds* (click here to bet) | |
Bangladesh | 2.40 |
Srilanka | 1.57 |
*odds are correct at the time of publish
TSN’s Top 3 Predictions:
- Match Winner – Back Sri Lanka to win, given their balanced squad and Asia Cup pedigree.
- Top Batter (Sri Lanka) – Pathum Nissanka is a strong pick after his fluent run-scoring against Zimbabwe.
- Top Bowler (Bangladesh) – Mustafizur Rahman could shine if used with the new ball on UAE pitches.
Explore live odds, predictions, and betting guides in the TSN betting section.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Expected playing XIs and team news
Bangladesh Team News
Bangladesh started their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a confident seven-wicket win over Hong Kong. Skipper Litton Das led from the front with a half-century, while Towhid Hridoy provided solid middle-order support.
The bowling, however, showed mixed returns as Taskin Ahmed and Rishad Hossain picked up wickets but leaked runs. Mustafizur Rahman was underused with the new ball, and the team may look to involve him more against stronger opposition. Bangladesh are expected to stick with the same XI unless they opt for an extra spinner on the UAE surface.
Bangladesh (predicted playing XI): Liton Das (C), Tanzid Hasan, Mohammad Parvez Hossain, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman
Sri Lanka Team News
Sri Lanka arrive in the Asia Cup after a successful series win in Zimbabwe, where their batting unit fired with Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka in form. The return of Wanindu Hasaranga from injury boosts their spin attack, which also includes Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage.
Janith Liyanage has been recalled after three years and adds balance as a middle-order option who can bowl seam. Dasun Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne strengthen the all-round department, while Matheesha Pathirana brings pace. Sri Lanka are likely to field their strongest combination, centered around a spin-heavy attack suited to UAE conditions.
Sri Lanka (predicted playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana
BAN vs. SL live scorecard: 5th T20I Asia Cup
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Where to watch BAN vs. SL 5th T20I in India
- Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, UAE
- Date & Time (IST): Saturday, September 11, 8:00 p.m
- Live Telecast & Streaming Details: Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV app & website
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