Sri Lanka Cruise To Six-Wicket Win Over Bangladesh

Former champions Sri Lanka kicked off their Asia Cup campaign in style on Sunday, sealing a commanding six-wicket win over Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi.

Chasing 140, the islanders crossed the finish line with 32 balls to spare.

A blistering 95-run stand off just 52 balls for the second wicket between Pathum Nissanka (50) and Kamil Mishara set the stage for the chase. Mishara arrived after Kusal Mendis fell in the second over, took time to settle, and then opened up, striking Shoriful Islam for three consecutive boundaries.

Nissanka notched his 16th half-century before being dismissed in the deep, but by then Sri Lanka were well in control. Mishara, playing a breakthrough innings, remained unbeaten on 46 to guide his side home.

The victory was laid by Sri Lanka’s bowlers, who restricted Bangladesh to 139-5 in 20 overs. Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara struck early with the new ball, delivering two maidens and removing both openers to leave Bangladesh reeling at 0-2 in the third over.

The collapse deepened when Towhid Hridoy was run out by Mishara’s direct hit from deep square leg. At 53-5 at the halfway mark, Bangladesh were in tatters as Wanindu Hasaranga, returning from injury, showcased his class with figures of 2-25.

A defiant unbroken 86-run stand for the sixth wicket between Jaker Ali (41) and Shamim Hossain (42) salvaged the innings, but the total was never enough against Sri Lanka’s batting firepower.

Defending T20 champions Sri Lanka now travel to Dubai for their next clash against Hong Kong on Monday.

“We knew we just had to score at seven runs an over. Pathum told me to take my time when I came in. Once I got loose deliveries, I played my shots. I’ve been working hard on my game and I’m happy to help my country win,” Mishara said after the match.

“This wasn’t a 140 pitch—we should have scored more. Their bowlers put us under pressure early, and we never recovered. Our next match against Afghanistan is a must-win. We’ll give it our all,” Bangladesh skipper Litton Das admitted.