Asia Cup 2025: Top 3 player battles to watch out for in match 5

The Asia Cup 2025 tournament’s first major matchup will pit Bangladesh against Sri Lanka on September 13, 2025, at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Bangladesh will be high on confidence after their dominating win over Hong Kong in their Asia Cup opening encounter. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka are coming into the Asia Cup with a 2-1 T20I series win over Zimbabwe. However, when they last faced Bangladesh in a T20I series at home, Sri Lanka lost by 1-2 and this will be a good opportunity to avenge that loss.

Here are the top 3 player battles to watch out for in match 5 of the Asia Cup 2025:

1. Litton Das vs Dushmantha Chameera

Litton Das has taken up the mantle of Bangladesh batting after Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal’s retirements. He has done well at the top and, with the added responsibility of captaincy,.Das has scored 2,496 runs at a strike rate of 126.95 in 111 T20Is, including 15 half-centuries with a best score of 83. He has scored three half-centuries in the last four T20Is Bangladesh has played.

His biggest challenge will be facing Sri Lanka’s most experienced pacer, Dushmantha Chameera. Chameera made his Sri Lanka debut in 2015 and, despite facing injury challenges throughout his career, has managed to stay in the game. Chameera is skiddy and bowls in the high 140s kph while swinging the ball, which might put Litton in trouble up front when he is yet to get set.

2. Kusal Perera vs Mustafizur Rahman

Kusal Perera is the most experienced Sri Lankan batter, with 82 T20Is under his belt since his debut in 2013. Perera has scored 2130 runs at a strike rate of 133.37, including one century and 15 half-centuries, with a best score of 101. His batting style is similar to Sanath Jayasuriya’s, and he loves taking on opposition bowlers in the powerplay overs.

Bangladesh would want to counter thE threat with Mustafizur Rahman. Rahman has 142 wickets at an economy of 7.29 in 114 T20Is, with best bowling figures of 6/10. He is known for his rubbery wrist, with which he flicks deadly yorkers and slower balls. Mustafizur is perhaps one of the best bowlers on slower pitches in the UAE, as he could use the surfaces to his advantage.

3. Wanindu Hasaranga vs Jaker Ali

Wanindu Hasaranga is Sri Lanka’s leading spinner. He has the most wickets for Sri Lanka in T20Is – 131 wickets at an economy of 6.98 in 79 games, including best bowling figures of 4/9. Hasaranga regularly bowls with the new ball and at the death. He has one of the best googlies in world cricket and uses it to great effect in T20Is.

Jaker Ali has made quite a name for himself in his short 37-match T20I career. He has scored 591 runs at a strike rate of 126.82, with the highest score of 72*. He is known for using the pace of the new ball to his advantage, often playing risky shots in the powerplay overs. This will be an intense battle to watch out for.

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.

For more exclusive updates, visit BJSports to access Exclusive News that is only for you, incisive analysis, and updates, and to keep up with all of the latest information on your favorite remarkable cricket playes and teams. To ensure you never miss out, join in on the fun right away