Sri Lanka heads to the T20 Asia Cup 2025 with self-belief after winning the Sri Lanka tour of Zimbabwe 2025 series. Now, they prepare for their first Asia Cup encounter, a Group B match against Bangladesh. Bangladesh is also on the way to their second tournament match after beating Hong Kong in fine style and taking the tournament’s first game. With one team fresh from a series victory, and the other team building some early momentum, we can certainly look forward to a hotly contested battle in which team selections and strategy may be the difference.
Openers
Pathum Nissanka has been a reliable starting option for Sri Lanka, evidenced by his 33 off 20 balls against Zimbabwe. Nissanka’s innings was an example of his quick runs in the powerplay; Nissanka has shown his early striking capabilities, known for his stylish strokeplay and finding boundaries early in the innings.
Kusal Mendis is still the explosive option at the top. His 30 off a mere 17-ball effort was an example of fearless batting, putting power and timing together as he launched an assault on the Zimbabwean bowlers. Nissanka and Mendis are the ideal counterpunches with a blend of the right aggression and anchoring ability capable of putting bowlers under pressure from the very first ball.
Middle Order
Kamil Mishara was the standout performer of the last match, guiding the chasing innings and remaining unbeaten on 73 off 43 balls. Mishara, being calm under pressure and capable of keeping the innings ticking along, and then being able to pick up the pace, carting the bowling, is invaluable in the middle order. If the top order fails, Mishara is capable of saving the innings.
Playing alongside him will be Kusal Perera, who showed his striking potential with an unbeaten 46 off 26 balls. Perera’s job will be to keep the tempo going through the middle overs and dominate any bad balls. Sri Lanka cannot afford to lose momentum. With these two in form, the middle order has enough match awareness to absorb pressure and launch counter-attacks.
All-Rounders
Sri Lanka has its middle-order all-round strength in Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka. Asalanka (the skipper) didn’t bat last game, but his captaincy and ability to provide useful overs of spin offer much-needed balance. Shanaka might’ve been quiet versus Zimbabwe, but he is a match-winner with both bat and ball. On the subcontinental pitches, their combined talents may come in handy, either carrying a wobbly innings or breaking important partnerships when called upon.
Bowlers
Dushmantha Chameera’s 2/33 figures in Harare reinforced Chameera’s standing as Sri Lanka’s strike bowler. He can disrupt top orders early with his pace and accuracy with the new ball, resulting in mistakes in the early stages. His role will be even more important in conditions like Abu Dhabi, which may assist him with bounce and seam movement.
Dushan Hemantha provided a great performance with a three-wicket haul (3/38), attacking the middle-order of Zimbabwe. Hemantha’s control, pace, and variations also allow him to offer something different from the pacers, while also integrating into the totality of the bowling attack.
FAQs
1: Who are Sri Lanka’s opening batters for the 5th Group B match?
Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis are expected to open for Sri Lanka.
2: Which middle-order players are in form for Sri Lanka?
Kamil Mishara and Kusal Perera are the key middle-order batters in form.
3: Who are the all-rounders that can impact the game?
Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka are the main all-rounders for Sri Lanka.
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