Asia Cup 2025: Top 3 player battles to watch out for in match 13

Sri Lanka will face Bangladesh in the 13th match of the Asia Cup 2025 on Saturday, September 20, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

Sri Lanka sealed qualification by successfully chasing a 171-run target against Afghanistan in the final Group B clash in Abu Dhabi. With that victory, they topped the group, registering three wins in as many matches. Their next challenge is a familiar one, as they take on Bangladesh in the second round of the Asia Cup.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, had secured two wins in the group stage but had to wait for the outcome of the Sri Lanka–Afghanistan fixture to confirm their progress. Sri Lanka’s triumph ensured the Tigers advanced to the next round, keeping alive their hopes of clinching a maiden multi-nation title.

Here are the Top 3 player battles to watch out for in match 13 of the Asia Cup 2025:

1. Litton Das vs Nuwan Thushara

Litton Das, the captain-keeper, has scored 96 runs at a strike rate of 126.31 in three games, with a best score of 59. Das has been the rock of Bangladesh’s batting, with the team playing around him as he held one end up, performing well against both spinners and pacers. Litton Das possesses the shots to compete with the best in contemporary T20 cricket and is skilled at scoring both conventionally and unconventionally.

Nuwan Thushara will be the biggest threat to Litton Das, as he is in brilliant form with the ball. His 4/18 routed Afghanistan in the recent match. Overall, Thushara has five wickets at an economy of 5.91 in three games, with best bowling figures of 4/18. Thushara can bowl with variety and swing the ball well. He has also successfully adapted to the UAE’s slow pitches by making use of cutters and slower balls.

2. Pathum Nissanka vs Mustafizur Rahman

Pathum Nissanka has been the best batter for Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2025, scoring 124 runs at a strike rate of 149.39 in three T20Is, including two fifties and a best score of 68. Whether the opposition bowlers are spinners or pacers, Nissanka is the ideal batter to start against them. Even when facing the finest bowlers, the right-hander can score runs using both aerial and ground strokes.

Mustafizur Rahman has picked up four wickets in three games with an economy of 7.72 and best bowling figures of 3/28. Rahman is known for his change of pace, as he is capable of bowling in the high 140 kph range but also delivers wickedly slow balls around 115 kph to deceive batters. He will be the best counter to Nissanka, who loves pace on the ball to play his array of shots. If Rahman dismisses Nissanka early, it will give Bangladesh a huge advantage.

3. Kusal Mendis vs Taskin Ahmed

Sri Lankan keeper-batter Kusal Mendis has scored 88 runs at a strike rate of 122.22 in three games, with a best score of 74*, which came in the must-win game against Afghanistan, as they chased down the 170-run target with ease. Mendis is aggressive with the bat, whether facing pacers or spinners.

Taskin Ahmed is the fastest Bangladesh bowler, capable of consistently clocking over 140 kph. Taskin has taken four wickets in three games so far at an economy of 9.00 and best bowling figures of 2/34. He swings the ball at high pace and has a nasty bouncer to counter Kusal Mendis.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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