An unbeaten Sri Lanka, fresh off a flawless group stage, will face Bangladesh in the opening match of the Asia Cup Super Four at Dubai on Saturday, starting as favorites despite concerns over their fragile middle-order. Led by captain Charith Asalanka, the Lankan side topped Group B with three consecutive victories over Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Afghanistan.

Sri Lanka’s campaign has been powered by opener Pathum Nissanka, the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 124 runs, including two fifties. Wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis also found form with a brisk 74 off 52 balls against Afghanistan, while Kamil Mishara has shown promise. However, the middle-order, including Asalanka, Kusal Perera, and Dasun Shanaka, needs to step up after near collapses, notably against Hong Kong and a low of 80 all-out against Zimbabwe earlier this year.

The Lankan bowling attack has been formidable, with Nuwan Thushara claiming five wickets and Dushmantha Chameera proving effective with the new ball. Spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Asalanka have controlled the middle overs, though the team will miss all-rounder Dunith Wellalage, who returned to Colombo following the passing of his father, Suranga, on Thursday night. It remains uncertain whether Wellalage will rejoin the squad.

Also Read: Rashid Khan Expresses Disappointment After Afghanistan Eliminated

Bangladesh, meanwhile, barely advanced to the Super Four, relying on Sri Lanka’s victory over Afghanistan to stay alive. Their campaign began with a seven-wicket win over Hong Kong but faltered with a six-wicket loss to Sri Lanka, followed by a narrow eight-run victory against Afghanistan. Captain Litton Das, with 96 runs, leads their batting charts, but inconsistent performances from Tanzid Hasan, Saif Hasan, and Towhid Hridoy remain a concern. Bangladesh’s fielding has been subpar, and their bowlers, despite Taskin Ahmed’s return proving effective, have struggled against aggressive batting.

Both teams are set for a high-stakes encounter, with Sri Lanka likely to rely on their chasing prowess if they win the toss. Bangladesh will need significant improvements in batting consistency and fielding to challenge the in-form Lankans.

Teams
Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana.
Bangladesh: Litton Das (c, wk), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mohammad Saifuddin.

Match Details: Starts at 8:00 PM IST, Saturday, September 20, 2025, in Dubai.

Also Read: Sri Lanka Beat Afghanistan, Enter Asia Cup Super 4s