13th Match, Super Fours (N)
Dubai (DICS) — September 20, 2025 • 7:30 PM
Quick summary
Sri Lanka head into the Super Four opener against Bangladesh with momentum after a perfect group stage, while Bangladesh arrive with a mix of confidence and questions to answer. Sri Lanka’s batting depth — led by Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka — looks in form, but Bangladesh have match-winners of their own and will be eager to correct the errors that cost them earlier.
Form (last 5)
- Bangladesh: W L W W W
- Sri Lanka: W W W W L
Players to watch
- Kusal Mendis (SL): Tournament form player — his unbeaten 74 showed he can take games away from opponents. Key wicket to pick early.
- Pathum Nissanka (SL): Consistent opener; if he gets a partner, Sri Lanka can post/ chase big totals.
- Mustafizur Rahman (BAN): Has wicket hauls but can be expensive. Bangladesh need him to hit top form and control the middle overs.
- Nasum Ahmed / Wanindu Hasaranga: Spin battle will be crucial on Dubai’s slow surfaces.
Probable XIs
Bangladesh (probable): Tanzid Hasan, Saif Hassan, Litton Das (c & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman
Sri Lanka (probable): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara
Pitch & conditions
Dubai has been slow and low during this Asia Cup — batters are averaging strike rates below Abu Dhabi. Spinners have enjoyed the surface. Expect a tactical game where 150–170 is a defendable total; chasing sides may benefit if dew appears late.
Match outlook
This is likely to be a tight, strategy-driven contest — Sri Lanka with the momentum and batting form; Bangladesh with firepower and variations in pace. The team that executes spin plans and handles the middle overs will probably take the first Super Four points.
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