Asia Cup 2025: Sri Lanka Choose To Bowl First Against Bangladesh; Shoriful Replaces Taskin

In the fifth match of the Asia Cup 2025 Group B at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and elected to field first against Bangladesh.

This decision reflects the conditions of the new pitch, which the captain believes favours the bowlers early on.

Bangladesh’s pace spearhead Taskin Ahmed, who claimed two wickets in their opening match against Hong Kong, will miss this clash.

He has been replaced by Shoriful Hasan. Bangladesh captain Litton Das acknowledged the change but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform well, emphasising the need for improvement to secure victories.

Captain Charith Asalanka’s Statement

Speaking after the toss, Asalanka said, “We are going to bowl; it looks like a new pitch, so we want to bowl. 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. We have a 7-4 bowling and three all-rounders combination. Hasaranga is playing.”

Das commented, “I 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.”

Sri Lanka holds a slight edge in T20I meetings with a 12-8 head-to-head record against Bangladesh. However, recent encounters favour the Tigers.

Earlier this year, Bangladesh secured their maiden T20I series win on Sri Lankan soil with a 2-1 victory and also triumphed in a low-scoring thriller at the 2024 T20 World Cup.

With Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan ranked eighth, ninth, and tenth, respectively, in the ICC T20I standings, every match within this tightly contested group carries significant importance for progression.

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

This match promises a thrilling contest as both teams vie to strengthen their chances in the Asia Cup 2025.

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