Key Points

The Asia Cup Super 4s kicked off with Bangladesh winning the toss and choosing to bowl against Sri Lanka in Dubai. Both captains expressed uncertainty about the pitch conditions, making the toss decision intriguing. The match carried emotional weight with a tribute to Dunith Wellalage's recently deceased father. The game promises high-stakes cricket with both teams looking to secure a crucial victory in the tournament.

Key Points: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup Super 4s Toss Drama

  • Bangladesh made two strategic changes in playing XI
  • Sri Lanka maintains unchanged team after perfect league stage
  • Emotional moment with one-minute silence for Dunith Wellalage's father
  • Toss decision reflects pitch uncertainty and tactical approach
2 min read

Asia Cup: Bangladesh elect to bowl first against Sri Lanka in Super 4s opener

Bangladesh elects to bowl against Sri Lanka in crucial Asia Cup Super 4s opener with emotional backstory and strategic toss decision

"When I saw the first leg, the second team won. I am also confused about the wicket - Litton Das, Bangladesh Captain"

Dubai, Sep 20

Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bowl first against Sri Lanka in the opening match of the Super 4 stage of Men's T20 Asia Cup 2025 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Saturday.

Bangladesh made two changes in their Playing XI, bringing in Shoriful Islam and Mahedi Hasan. Sri Lanka decided to play an unchanged XI.

Bangladesh captain Litton Das said he was a bit confused about the pitch and therefore decided to bowl first: "When I saw the first leg, the second team won. I am also confused about the wicket, so want to bowl. We are very excited. All the members are doing a great job," he added. Bangladesh had finished second in Group B behind Sri Lanka and would be hoping to take revenge for their defeat in the league stage.

His Sri Lankan counterpart, Charith Asalanka, concurred with his assessment: "I would have done the same thing. The pitch is on the dry side; it doesn't matter. It is a used pitch, so it doesn't matter that we are batting first. A lot of young players are coming into the side and performing. We are going with the same XI," said Asalanka.

Sri Lanka, which have reached the Super 4s stage with three wins in three league matches, also included in their team young Dunith Wellalage, who had made a quick dash home to pay his last respects to his father, who passed away while Sri Lanka was playing their last match. The two teams also observed a one-minute silence to pay respect to Wellalage's father.

Playing XIs:

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara

Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Saif Hassan, Litton Das (c/wk), Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Respect to Wellalage for playing despite his personal loss. Shows true professional commitment. Cricket is more than just a game sometimes. 🙏
A
Arjun K
Bangladesh's bowling attack looks strong with Mustafizur and Taskin. If they get early wickets, Sri Lanka might struggle. But Lankan batting lineup is deep!
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Sarah B
Interesting captaincy from Litton Das - admitting he's confused about the pitch but still making a decision. Honest but maybe not the most confident approach?
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Vikram M
Sri Lanka looking strong with 3 wins already. Their young players are really stepping up. Asia Cup always brings out the best in subcontinent teams! 🇱🇰 vs 🇧🇩
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Michael C
Good to see both teams showing respect for Wellalage's father. Sportsmanship beyond the game. Hope he gets some comfort from playing today.

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