The Asia Cup 2025 is heating up as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh prepare to face off in the first Super Four match on Saturday at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. The two teams come into the clash with contrasting fortunes. While Sri Lanka heads into the game as the favourite, pumped up by their unbeaten run in the group stage, Bangladesh will need to find consistency if they are to pose a serious threat.

Sri Lanka, having finished at the top of Group B with a flawless record, will be looking to carry forward their momentum into the Super Four stage. They have been in formidable form, winning all three of their group matches.

Their impressive group campaign saw them register victories over Afghanistan, Hong Kong, and most notably, Bangladesh, whom they defeated by six wickets. The likes of Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Wanindu Hasaranga have stepped up at crucial moments, and their form will be pivotal as they aim to maintain their dominance. With strong performances in both batting and bowling departments, Sri Lanka will be hoping to keep the momentum going in their pursuit of a place in the final. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will miss the services of all-rounder Dunith Wellalage, who has returned home from the tournament after his father passed away on Thursday night. 

On the other hand, Bangladesh enter this match on the back of a mixed group stage performance. They finished second in Group B, securing two wins from their three matches. While they did manage to secure victories over Hong Kong and Afghanistan, their loss to Sri Lanka highlighted some vulnerabilities in their game. Bangladesh have struggled to find the consistency, which has led to their downfall in key moments.

Their middle-order frailties and inability to finish strong are areas of concern, and they will need to address these issues if they are to challenge Sri Lanka in the Super Four. For Bangladesh, Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das, Jaker Ali and Towhid Hridoy will be the players who will be expected to perform under pressure. And their performance could prove to be a game-changer as well.

Head-to-head

Total matches: 21

Bangladesh won: 8

Sri Lanka won: 13

No result: 0

Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana.

Bangladesh: Litton Das (c&wk), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mohammad Saifuddin.