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Key Points

Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to field first against Bangladesh in this crucial Asia Cup encounter. Bangladesh made one change with Shoriful Islam replacing Taskin Ahmed in their lineup. Sri Lanka confirmed the return of star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga for this important group stage match. Both teams are looking to build momentum in a tightly contested group that also includes Afghanistan.

Key Points: Sri Lanka Bowl First as Shoriful Replaces Taskin in Asia Cup Clash

  • Sri Lanka wins toss and opts to field first at Sheikh Zayed Stadium
  • Taskin Ahmed misses out with Shoriful Islam replacing him
  • Wanindu Hasaranga returns to strengthen Sri Lanka's lineup
  • Bangladesh seeks improvement after winning their opening match
  • Head-to-head record favors Sri Lanka 12-8 in T20Is
  • Recent matches show Bangladesh winning crucial encounters
  • Group features three closely ranked T20I teams
  • Every match carries high stakes for tournament progression
2 min read

Asia Cup: Shoriful replaces Taskin as Sri Lanka opt to field against Bangladesh

Sri Lanka elect to field against Bangladesh in crucial Asia Cup Group B match. Shoriful Islam replaces Taskin Ahmed while Wanindu Hasaranga returns for Sri Lanka.

"We are going to bowl, it looks like a new pitch, so we want to bowl - Charith Asalanka"

Abu Dhabi, Sep 13

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first against Bangladesh in the fifth match of the Asia Cup 2025, a Group B clash at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium here on Saturday.

For Bangladesh, pacer Taskin Ahmed, who took two wickets in their opening match against Hong Kong, will not feature in the clash and will be replaced by Shoriful Hasan. Sri Lanka skipper Asalanka confirmed that all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga will play their opening clash.

Toss-winning Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka said, “We are going to bowl, it looks like a new pitch, so we want to bowl. Obviously yes. It's a good memory, and we want to keep the momentum up. It's a good challenge as a captain, and we have a good bunch of players. 7-4 combo and three all-rounders. Hasaranga is playing.”

Bangladesh captain Litton Das said, “Don't mind batting first, it looks like a good wicket. We played good cricket in the first game, but we have to improve in certain areas. To win a game, you have to get everything right. Taskin is not playing, and Shoriful is in.”

While Sri Lanka hold a 12-8 edge in head-to-head T20I meetings, recent history tilts in Bangladesh’s favour. The Tigers claimed their maiden T20I series win in Sri Lanka earlier this year, edging the hosts 2-1, and also defeated them in a low-scoring thriller at the 2024 World Cup.

With Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan — currently ranked 8th, 9th, and 10th in the ICC T20I standings — all grouped together, every contest carries high stakes.

Playing Xis:

Bangladesh: Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das (wk/c), Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman

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

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Sri Lanka bowling first is the right decision! The pitch looks fresh and our bowlers can take early advantage. Hasaranga playing is great news for SL fans 🇱🇰
A
Arjun K
This group is so competitive! Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh all so close in rankings. Every match feels like a final. Exciting cricket ahead! 🏏
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Sarah B
Interesting to see Bangladesh's recent dominance over Sri Lanka in T20s. That World Cup thriller was one of the best matches last year! Hope we get another close game today.
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Vikram M
Mustafizur vs Sri Lankan batsmen will be the key battle! His cutters and variations could trouble them on this pitch. Bangladesh's bowling looks good even without Taskin.
M
Michael C
Both teams have strong batting lineups but I feel Sri Lanka has better all-round depth with Hasaranga, Shanaka, and Kamindu. Should be a cracking contest!

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