Right then, a comfortable win for Sri Lanka puts them in a very strong position as they still have a couple of games to play. They have a quick turnaround as they play against Hong Kong, China, in Dubai on 15th September, Monday. But for Bangladesh, the way forward has got a bit more challenging, with just one match remaining. They find themselves in the do-or-die territory now. They play against Afghanistan on Tuesday, 16th September. So far, this Asia Cup hasn't produced any nervy games, with all being one-sided. But that, surely and hopefully, won't be the case on Sunday, 14th September, as we wait for the clash of the ages. Next up, it is time for India vs Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The first ball of this marquee Group A match is scheduled to be bowled at 8 pm IST (2.30 pm GMT). But do make sure to mark your presence an hour earlier for the exciting build-up and analysis. Till then, we sign off from here. Take care, cheers!

The victorious skipper of Sri Lanka, CHARITH ASALANKA, says that the first two overs were the key moment with two wickets and two maidens there, setting up the platform perfectly and giving them a dream start. Speaking about Wanindu Hasaranga, he mentions that his googly remains his biggest weapon, one that even teammates struggle to pick at times. Calls Hasaranga a real superstar. On batting and improving the net run rate, Asalanka adds that once they got to around 115-120, the focus was on finishing the game quickly. Also, thanks to the fans, he says that the atmosphere was absolutely brilliant with tremendous support from both Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi supporters.

The captain of Bangladesh, LITTON DAS, reflects on the defeat. He admits they lost the game inside the Powerplay itself with the bat. Adds that had they scored anything around 170-180, it would have been a different game. Humbly admits that 140 was never going to be enough and also admits that they didn't bowl and field well. On their next game against Afghanistan, he says it is a do-or-die game for them. In the end, he thanks the supporters for coming in large numbers wherever they travel, and expects a similar kind of support in their last league game as well.

Sri Lanka's KAMIL MISHARA is adjudged the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his impressive match-winning performance. He scored an unbeaten 46 off 32 deliveries. Speaking about the instructions, he shares that Pathum had asked him to just play his natural game and take the innings deep. Reflecting on his performance, Mishara says it is a very happy feeling to win a game for his team. On his time away from the side, he adds that he always believed in himself and kept working hard for the opportunity.

... THE PRESENTATION ...

Earlier in the game, Sri Lanka invited Bangladesh to bat first. It was a slow burn, but all action-packed. Two back-to-back wicket maidens, one from Chameera and one from Thushara, set the tone for Sri Lanka. A self-inflicted run out, followed by a couple of dropped catches, and the bail not falling despite smashing the stump. It was all happening out there. Amidst it all, Hasaranga tied the batters in the middle overs with a miserly spell. However, a fighting unbeaten partnership between Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain, of 86 runs, made the scorecard look quite more respectable and fighting than what could have been an ordinary one. Chameera was the pick from the seamers, while Hasaranga, on his return, did quite well with a couple of wickets.

How good has the top order been for the Lankans? Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis have been the pillars lately in white-ball cricket, doing the most heavy-lifting and easing the strain from the middle order. Add to it Kamil Mishara's emergence. Just 6 matches into his T20I career, he has appeared as a confident player at an important batting position, at number 3. Not to be very harsh, but an elevated challenge against the mighty Lankans proved too hot to handle for Bangladesh this time around. They do have a game left in this group stage, and it isn't going to be an easy one against Afghanistan by any means. Meaning, a win for them is a must in that clash. But before that, they have a lot to ponder and rethink about their strategies. 

With the platform set and the required rate hovering just above a run a ball, it was about smart consolidation from there. That is the value of a strong start against a modest total. It forces errors from the bowlers, putting them on the back foot with too much to do. More than half of the runs were already chewed up even before halfway. And to be very fair, the bowling and fielding from Bangladesh were pretty ordinary. In fact, a shade of what they were against Hong Kong, China, in their opening game. There were a few consolation wickets towards the end, but Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara's 95-run stand just took the wind out of the sails of Bangladesh. 

Chasing 140 is rarely daunting in modern T20I cricket, but a solid start remains essential and a non-negotiable for any side. Though Kusal Mendis fell early, Pathum Nissanka anchored one end with composure. Kamil Mishara looked scratchy at first, but after being dropped early doors, he shifted gears and punished the bowlers. The Bangladeshi pacers could not match the effectiveness and conviction with which the Sri Lankan seamers operated. By the end of the Powerplay, Sri Lanka had taken control at 55/1.

Clinical. Dominating. Effortless. Perfect way to describe Sri Lanka's win against their arch-rivals. They are off to a flier in this tournament with a statement triumph, outnumbering the Bangladeshis across all departments. With 32 balls to spare and 6 wickets in hand, this will massively help Sri Lanka in terms of net run rate. On the other hand, a tough outing for Bangladesh as their net run rate takes a huge dent, and pushes them down to the third spot in Group B. Five matches into the Asia Cup, 2025, and all five have been one-sided in nature. 

Sri Lanka need just 4 runs now, and Shamim Hossain comes into the attack.

The skipper, Charith Asalanka, is in at 6.

End of an impressive spell from Mahedi Hasan, where his figures read 4-0-29-2 but Sri Lanka just need 15 more in the last seven overs.