ABU DHABI – Opener Pathum Nissanka’s fluent half-century and a composed unbeaten knock from Kamil Mishara steered Sri Lanka to a commanding six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the fifth match of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Chasing a modest target of 140, the defending champions romped home in just 14.4 overs, finishing at 143/4 with 32 balls to spare.Sri Lanka had an early jolt when Kusal Mendis fell for three in the second over, but Nissanka and Misharastabilised the chase with a decisive 85-run partnership for the second wicket. Nissanka played the aggressor’s role, smashing a 34-ball 50 with six fours and a six, before being dismissed by Mahedi Hasan in the 11th over. Mishara then took charge, anchoring the innings with a well-paced unbeaten 46 off 32 balls, laced with four boundaries and two sixes.
Bangladesh briefly clawed back with two quick wickets, but Sri Lanka’s batting depth proved too strong. Mahedi Hasan was the pick of their bowlers with 2-29, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Mustafizur Rahman claimed one wicket each.
Earlier, Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka’s decision to bowl first paid off handsomely as Bangladesh stuttered to 139/5 in their 20 overs. The Tigers were rocked early, reduced to 2/2 inside two overs, losing openers Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon for ducks.
Captain Litton Das attempted to rebuild with 28 off 26 balls before falling to WaninduHasaranga, leaving his side wobbling at 53/5 in the 10th over.It was then left to Shamim Hossain (42 off 34, 3 fours, 1 six) and Jaker Ali (41 off 41, 2 fours), who stitched together a fighting 86-run stand for the sixth wicket, ensuring Bangladesh had something respectable to defend.For Sri Lanka, Hasaranga struck twice for 25 runs, while Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara chipped in with a wicket each.
Scores in Brief
SRI LANKA 143/4 in 14.4 overs (Pathum Nissanka 50, Kamil Mishara 46*; Mahedi Hasan 2-29) beat BANGLADESH 139/5 in 20 overs (Shamim Hossain 42, Jaker Ali 41; Hasaranga 2-25)by 6 wickets.
