The Bangladesh Cricket Board has stood firm on its stance against touring India in the upcoming <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2026-live-streaming-guide/3171-2-0">T20 World Cup 2026</a> despite warnings from the International Cricket Council. BCB president Aminul Islam assured that the board would once again officially seek permission for Bangladesh to play its matches in Sri Lanka.

The board maintained its position after a high-level meeting with BCB officials, players, and the sports adviser of the interim government. The ICC made it clear that Bangladesh could be replaced if the country does not comply, as the tournament begins on February 7.

&quot;We will go back to the ICC with our plan to play in Sri Lanka,&quot; BCB president Islam said at a press conference.

&quot;They did give us a 24-hour ultimatum, but a global body can&#39;t really do that. ICC will miss out on 200 million people watching the World Cup (if Bangladesh is axed). It will be their loss.&quot;

Bangladesh&rsquo;s interim government has openly supported the board&rsquo;s decision. Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul stressed that the choice was not solely a cricketing one.

Bangladesh &ldquo;cannot be forced to play in India,&rdquo; he said, adding that the refusal to tour India was taken at the government level. &quot;We are hopeful that ICC will give us the opportunity to play in Sri Lanka,&quot; Nazrul added.

Ties between the two countries have become significantly strained following the 2024 mass uprising in Bangladesh that ousted the previous Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina. The situation is further complicated by the fact that elections in Bangladesh are to be held during the World Cup.

After an emergency ICC board meeting, the ruling body ruled out any security concerns in India and withdrew any plans to change the schedule of the tournament, as they feared a bad precedent. Due to the fact that Sri Lanka has not been approached officially as a host, the ICC has indicated that Scotland may take the place of Bangladesh in the event of withdrawal.

Bangladesh team captain <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/litton-das-addresses-uncertainity-over-bangladesh-world-cup-particpation/3160-5-0">Litton Das</a> admitted that the team is uncertain. &ldquo;Everyone is uncertain,&rdquo; he said.

This is the same case as the one in the arrangement of Pakistan that will play its World Cup matches in Sri Lanka because of years of tension between Pakistan and India. Up to this point, the Bangladesh T20 World Cup has remained intertwined with sport, diplomacy, and governance as the controversy escalates.

Bangladesh refuses to tour India for the T20 World Cup, urging the ICC to allow matches in Sri Lanka amid political tensions and security concerns.

Bangladesh Rejects India Tour, Seeks Sri Lanka Option for T20 World Cup

Bangladesh&rsquo;s concerns related to touring India for the 2026 T20 World Cup are still unresolved. The sports advisor of Bangladesh, Asif Nazrul, has now doubled down on the BCB&rsquo;s stance of not touring India for the mega event. He said the board has legitimate security concerns related to the India tour, so they want all the matches of Bangladesh to be shifted to Sri Lanka, a co-host of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

While speaking to reporters, Asif Nazrul said that the ICC has not fully understood the security issues Bangladeshi cricketers could face in India. He added that the board will continue to communicate with the ICC that Bangladeshi players cannot travel to India by compromising their security.

&quot;Today, after reading the letter from the ICC, we understand that the ICC doesn&#39;t fully realise the scale of the security issue regarding Bangladeshi cricketers in India,&quot; said sports advisor of Bangladesh, Asif Nazrul.

&quot;I believe it&#39;s not only a matter of security but also that of national humiliation. We are looking at it as a security issue, where the BCCI itself is telling the Kolkata [Knight Riders] team that this player can&#39;t be given security, [so] leave him out from your team. This in itself is a tacit recognition that it isn&#39;t very safe to play in India.&quot; added Asif Nazrul.

Bangladesh&rsquo;s concerns about playing the T20 World Cup in India intensified when the BCCI instructed KKR to remove <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/mustafizur-rahman-registers-psl-11-after-ipl-snub/2963-5-0">Mustafizur Rahman</a> from its IPL 2026 squad. The move angered not only cricket fans in Bangladesh but also the board, which immediately began questioning the security of its players ahead of the upcoming event.

The sports advisor of Bangladesh, Asif Nazrul, further said that the nation will not compromise anything on its dignity. He added that a firm stance has been taken on the issue, which is why the board is respectfully asking the ICC to shift Bangladesh&rsquo;s tournament matches to Sri Lanka.

&quot;We don&#39;t want to say anything about the bigger picture, the communal situation, in India. But when it comes to our cricketers&#39; safety, Bangladesh&#39;s safety, and Bangladesh&#39;s dignity, we won&#39;t make any compromise.&rdquo; said Asif Nazrul while talking to the reporters.

&ldquo;We want to play cricket, we want to play the World Cup, but we want to play in Sri Lanka, which is the other host country. We are honoring our position on this because we hope we are able to convince the ICC, and that the ICC considers our logic with an open heart, and neutrally, to let us deservingly play in the World Cup.&rdquo; added Asif Nazrul.

<h2>Will Follow the Government&rsquo;s Directives, Says BCB President</h2>

The President of BCB, Aminul Islam, also shared his thoughts on the issue, saying that the board will proceed as per the directives of the government ahead of the tournament. He is confident that the board will convince the ICC about their legitimate security concerns, which have been intensified in recent days.

&quot;We&#39;ll try to convince the ICC. Such events related to security have taken place in the past as well. You know the main reason for a hybrid World Cup is security. So we hope to establish our reasons. When the Champions Trophy happened, India didn&#39;t go to Pakistan. Even Pakistan didn&#39;t go to India to play in the World Cup. So we hope we&#39;ll get the right answer.&quot; said Aminul Islam.

The sports advisor of Bangladesh, Asif Nazrul, has said that the national team will only play its T20 World Cup matches in Sri Lanka. He said the board has legitimate concerns related to touring India.

Bangladesh Ready to Play T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka, Says Sports Advisor

Two contrasting Under-19 contests shaped an eventful day in the youth tournament as Bangladesh Under-19 pulled off a tense chase against Afghanistan, while Sri Lanka Under-19 opened their campaign with a ruthless win over Nepal. One match demanded composure under pressure, while the other ended almost before it began.

<h2>Bangladesh U19 Edge Afghanistan in High-Scoring Thriller</h2>

Bangladesh Under-19 showed composure and depth to chase down a demanding target against Afghanistan Under-19, winning by three wickets in a high-scoring Group B encounter.

Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat, backing their batters on a good surface. Their decision paid off through disciplined accumulation rather than reckless hitting. Afghanistan&#39;s top-order was also stunning today, where batsmen rotated strike well and posted a strong 283 for 7 from their 50 overs.

Bangladesh seemed to face early pressure at the start of the chase as Afghanistan&rsquo;s bowlers kept the things tight for them throughout the innings. But, Bagadeshi batters managed to get the things right, however, wickets fell at regular intervals, refusing to let Bangladesh settle completely.

The defending champions responded with calm partnerships through the middle overs. Their batters didn&#39;t panic at all, and picked their boundary options wisely.

With the match drifting towards the final overs, Bangladesh held their nerve better. The lower middle-order also kept the things right for the team, rotated strike smartly, and avoided risky strokes. The winning runs came with seven balls remaining as Bangladesh reached 284 for 7 in 48.5 overs.

The result delivered a crucial early boost for Bangladesh in a group that promises tight finishes and little margin for error.

<h2>Sri Lanka U19 Run Through Nepal in One-Sided Contest</h2>

Sri Lanka Under-19 sent a clear warning to the rest of the competition with a crushing eight-wicket victory over Nepal Under-19 in their opening match.

In this match, Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl, a decision that proved right, making the chase an easy one for them. Nepal struggled right from the start of the match, where Sri Lankan bowlers&#39; sharp swing added constant pressure for them.&nbsp;

Spinner Sethmika Seneviratne led the demolition with a superb five-wicket haul. His pace and swing didn&#39;t allow batters forward to play free hand throughout the innings as his figures of 5 for 25 broke the backbone of Nepal&rsquo;s innings.

Nepal never recovered after losing early wickets and eventually collapsed for 82 all out in just 28.5 overs. This low total reflected Sri Lanka&rsquo;s control and at the same time, Nepal&rsquo;s disappointment while facing Sri Lankan bowlers.&nbsp;

The chase lasted barely over fourteen overs, where Sri Lanka batted with restraint, avoided unnecessary risks, and closed the match without drama. They reached 84 for 2 in only 14.5 overs, sealing victory with 211 balls to spare.

<h2>A Day of Contrast Sets the Tone</h2>

The two matches offered a sharp contrast in styles and outcomes. Bangladesh relied on patience and temperament under pressure, while Sri Lanka flexed authority through discipline and execution.

Both results provided the early narrative of the tournament, where Bangladesh showed they can absorb pressure, and Sri Lanka made it clear that they can overwhelm opponents quickly.

Bangladesh U19 edged Afghanistan U19 by three wickets in a tense chase, while Sri Lanka U19 crushed Nepal by eight wickets on an action-packed matchday.

Bangladesh U19 Win Thriller as Sri Lanka U19 Dominate Nepal

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 202 in their must-win match with Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai. The match was significant to both sides, with the unsuccessful one missing the semi-final action.

Hasini Perera made her maiden international fifty in her 59th game, coming up with a good score of 85 out of 99 balls. Chamari Athapaththu (46) and Nilakshika Silva (37) also managed decent scores.

Both Hasini and Chamari reached significant career milestones in their respective careers as Chamari crossed 4,000 ODI runs in total and Hasini hit the 1000 mark.

Shorna Akter once again delivered for Bangladesh. Introduced into the attack midway through the innings, she followed up with 3 wickets off 27, with Hasini and Nilakshika being removed. Rabeya Khan was also bowled well with 2 for 39, and other bowlers were also helpful. Ritu Mony was the only one who did not take a wicket.

Bangladesh could be more effective against Sri Lanka if they don&rsquo;t drop chances. Nigar Sultana dropped Hasini at 23 behind the stumps, and Athapaththu dropped, too, at 46.&nbsp;

Another opportunity was lost by Nahida Akter when Hasini was on 55. They missed a couple of run-outs and a stumping opportunity as well, yet Bangladesh had balanced it out with DRS reviews.

Marufa Akter struck early by getting Vishmi Gunaratne LBW on the very first ball of the innings. Though the umpire did not rule it out, a reviewed decision against him was overturned by a confident review.&nbsp;

But Athapaththu and Hasini somehow stabilized the innings with a 72-run partnership.

Athapaththu scored 46 off 43 balls, consisting of six boundaries and two sixes. She played her shots at will up until she got lbw by a sharp ball of Rabeya Khan. After she was dismissed, Sri Lanka started to lose more wickets.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka all of a sudden lost from 72/1 to 100/4.&nbsp; The last pair, Prabodani and Malki Madara, added only 18 runs in 73 balls. The last 103 deliveries from Sri Lanka&rsquo;s innings yielded only 28 runs, and six wickets were lost to end the innings at 202 with eight balls remaining.

The bowlers of Bangladesh, through the efforts of Shorna and Rabeya, did not allow Sri Lanka to take charge.&nbsp;

Bangladesh bowlers Shorna Akter and Rabeya Khan shared five wickets as Sri Lanka were restricted to 202 runs in a must-win match in Navi Mumbai.

Bangladesh Limit Sri Lanka to 202 in Must-Win Clash

The Saturday game between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka proved to be a stunning thriller. The tigers downed Lankan lions by four wickets, courtesy of great batting by Towhid Hridoy and Saif Hassan. The young guns of Bangladesh played splendid knocks to ensure their team came out as winners in the first Super Four clash.

The target of 169 set up by Sri Lanka looked tough, but Saif&rsquo;s brilliance at the start and Towhid&rsquo;s masterclass during the middle overs gave Bangladesh the much-needed win. They trounced the Lankan Lions by 4 wickets, giving their team a strong start in the Super Four stage of the ACC Men&rsquo;s Asia Cup 2025.

After winning the toss, Bangladesh decided to bowl first. It was a dry pitch in Dubai, hence Bangladesh immediately took the decision to have a go at bowling. Keeping in view the conditions, they made two critical changes to their squad by bringing in Mahedi Hasan and Shoriful Islam in place of Rishad Hossain and Nurul Hasan. This was precisely done to bolster their bowling department, which took a heavy beating in the last contest against Sri Lanka.

When the first innings started, the Lankan openers looked in complete control. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis started off well by taking down the threat of Nasum Ahmed. Their brisk start took Sri Lanka to a good Powerplay total, denting the early hopes of Bangladesh fans.

However, as soon as the Powerplay ended, Sri Lanka fell into the trap of Bangladesh. They lost quick wickets, which allowed Bangladesh to come back into the game. The middle order of Sri Lanka struggled to fire today, as Bangladesh bowlers kept continuous pressure on them.

The sinking batting ship of Sri Lanka got steadied when Dasun Shanaka came out to bat. He showcased superlative power-hitting in today&rsquo;s game. The all-rounder went berserk with the six-hitting frenzy, disrupting all the death bowling plans of the Bangladesh team. It was due to his efforts, Sri Lanka scored a formidable total of 168 in the first innings of the game.

When Bangladesh came out to chase this stiff target, they surprised the Lankan bowlers. The opener, Saif Hassan, showcased a stunning hitting style in the Powerplay. He took down the threat of Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera by relentlessly hitting big sixes. This set the tone for the Bangladesh team, and they started to feel confident in the chase.

Litton Das also played well alongside Saif Hassan in the Powerplay to lift the scoring rate. Due to their combined hitting, Bangladesh were able to score 59 at the end of the Powerplay. The Bangladesh captain, however, fell in the 7th over when he tried to take on Hasaranga with a slog at deep backward square leg.

Things then became a bit difficult for Bangladesh batters, as the Sri Lankan team started to apply pressure. However, the duo of Towhid Hridoy and Saif Hassan played smartly during the middle overs, ensuring not to lose further wickets to attacking Sri Lankan bowlers.

The plan worked, and both batters got set in the crease. Towhid played with confidence by taking down the spin attack of the Sri Lankan team. His superlative innings of 58 runs gave Bangladesh the strong impetus it needed to chase the target at the end.

Bangladesh chased the target and won the match in the last over, though it came as a tough win. They will now face India on Wednesday, which will be yet another tight contest between the two Asian giants.

Bangladesh came out as winners in the first Super Four clash against Sri Lanka. They chased down the target of 169 by losing just 6 wickets.

Bangladesh Defeats Sri Lanka in a Thriller at Dubai

Sri Lanka has posted a strong total of 168 against Bangladesh at Dubai. This is the first match of the Super Four stage, hence both teams are looking to win it to make a strong start. The pitch at Dubai was a bit dry, but Sri Lanka used its batting resources perfectly to put on a strong total on the board. Dasun Shanaka remained the star of the Sri Lankan batting innings, as he played a furious knock of 64 runs by hitting 9 boundaries in total.

After winning the toss, Bangladesh quickly chose to bowl first. They made the decision after looking at the dry nature of the pitch. They made two changes in their squad for today&rsquo;s game by including &nbsp; Mahedi Hasan and Shoriful Islam in place of Rishad Hossain and Nurul Hasan. Both are specialist bowlers, giving Bangladesh attack a strong chance against the rampant Sri Lankan team.

Sri Lanka made a strong start in the Powerplay, as their openers played freely against Bangladesh bowlers. Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka took down the experienced Nasum and Shoriful by targeting the short boundary. Both looked very well with the bat today, until Taskin Ahmed removed Nissanka in the 5th over.

Once the Powerplay ended and Nissanka got out, things became difficult for Sri Lanka. They struggled to lift the tempo that was set in the Powerplay. Kusal Mendis, who was once again looking set, got out in the 8th over while trying to take on the deep backward square leg fielder. He got out after making just 34 runs in today&rsquo;s Super Four clash.

Kamil Mishara, who came out to bat at number 3, also couldn&rsquo;t do much in the middle. He looked uncomfortable from the start due to Bangladesh&#39;s tight bowling. After getting Mendis wicket, Mahedi Hasan then sent Mishara back to the pavilion in the 10th over. This was the time when Bangladesh was in full control of the match. They squeezed the scoring rate of Sri Lanka batters, precisely due to bowling tight line and length deliveries.

The batting innings of Sri Lanka now looked very shaky, as experienced performers like Mendis, Nissanka and Perera were already sent back to the dugout. But, things changed as soon as Dasun Shanaka came out to bat. He made a clear difference in today&rsquo;s match by playing an exceptional knock of 64 runs off just 37 balls.

Dasun Shanaka took down every Bangladesh bowler ferociously. He looked in complete control in today&rsquo;s game, as his six-hitting frenzy disrupted the plans of Bangladesh. Due to his great hitting at the death, Sri Lanka once again posted a strong total of 168 on the scoreboard. This could ultimately prove to be a match-winning innings, should Sri Lanka successfully defend this total in the second innings.

Dasun Shanaka helped Sri Lanka to put on a strong total of 168 against Bangladesh. He played a commanding knock of 64 runs at Dubai.

Sri Lanka Sets Up 169 Target for Bangladesh

In a high-stakes Super Four clash against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh has opted to bowl first. They have come into the game with two changes. They have brought in the experienced Mahedi Hasan in place of Rishad Hossain, while Shoriful Islam has replaced Nurul Hasan in the final squad. This would be a test of Bangladesh, as they have lost against Sri Lanka previously in the group stage game.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka has made no changes to its squad. They have opted to go in with the same Playing XI that defeated Afghanistan two days ago. This shows the confidence they have in their squad which is performing very well in this year&rsquo;s Asia Cup. The pitch at Dubai looks dry, so it will require cautious batting from the Sri Lankan openers.

Talking about the matchups, we could see a thrilling contest between some good names from both teams. Bangladesh will rely on their bowling to make early inroads, while Sri Lanka will also hope to showcase its opening firepower in the Powerplay. Therefore, it would be a good contest between both teams, and we could expect some thrilling performances in it.

The last group stage match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka was a one-sided contest. Sri Lanka cruised to victory without facing much resistance from Bangladesh. However, this time, the tigers will try to make a strong comeback. They will try to avoid the mistakes that happened in the previous match, as winning this Super Four clash is important for them.

A lot will depend on their opening bowlers, as Nasum and Shoriful will try to pick quick Sri Lankan wickets. If they succeed, Sri Lanka will be pushed onto the back foot. Meanwhile, the tigers also need to control the scoring rate in the middle overs, as Sri Lanka has some experienced resources to take the game away from them.

The match is now underway at Dubai, where Sri Lanka has started off very well. So far, Bangladesh has picked just 1 wicket, as Sri Lankan openers have come very hard at them in the Powerplay.

Bangladesh has decided to bowl first against Sri Lanka at Dubai. They will be looking to win their first Super Four clash on Saturday.

Bangladesh Choose to Bowl First Against Rampant Sri Lanka

Bangladesh captain Litton Das has said that his team batters were not up to the mark in the Powerplay. This became the core reason for their defeat against Sri Lanka, and thus, it needs to be improved in the upcoming matches.

Batting first, Bangladesh lost quick wickets and scored just 30 runs in the Powerplay, courtesy of some tight bowling from skilled Sri Lankan bowlers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bangladesh&rsquo;s batting innings came under pressure right from the start when Nuwan Thushara removed Tanizd Hasan in the first over. After that, Dushmantha Chameera removed Emon quickly, further inflicting more pressure on the Bangladesh batting lineup.

Due to tight bowling and sustained pressure, Bangladesh never recovered, and their batters kept struggling throughout the Powerplay.

&quot;I thought in the Powerplay we lost the game. A wicket was a very good one to bat on.&rdquo; said Litton Das in the post-match presentation. He also stated that their bowling and fielding were not up to the mark against attacking Sri Lankan batters.

Despite losing 5 wickets for just 54 runs, Bangladesh still managed to put on a respectable total on the scoreboard. This largely came due to the valiant contributions from Shamim Hossain and Jaker Ali in the middle. Both played cautiously, giving Bangladesh a fighting total of 139 against rampant Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh will now face Afghanistan in the next do-or-die game on Tuesday. Litton Das is optimistic that the team will overcome its shortcomings in due time and will put on a better show to keep their tournament hopes alive.

Litton Das has said that poor Powerplay batting became the main reason for their defeat against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup clash.

Litton Das Wants Batting Improvement in the Powerplay

Sri Lanka registered an easy win over Bangladesh in a high-profile Group B clash of the ACC Men&rsquo;s Asia Cup 2025. The Sri Lankan team looked dominant from ball one, as they kept pressure on the young Bangladesh team throughout the match. Guided by Kamil Mishara, Sri Lanka completed the modest chase of 139 in 14.4 overs by losing just 4 wickets.

After winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to field first. They knew that the pitch was fresh, hence they chose to bowl first to extract good bounce and seam from the wicket. The Sri Lankan bowlers were right on the money from the first over. They didn&rsquo;t allow Bangladesh batters to settle in, as Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera took early wickets and kept continuous pressure on them.

After losing 5 wickets for just 54 runs, Bangladesh desperately needed a partnership. Shamim and Jaker then played cautiously, knowing that there was not much batting left in the late order. They kept taking singles and doubles to keep the scoreboard rotating, and then tried to launch some shots in the end to give Bangladesh a modest total of 139.

When Sri Lanka came out to chase the target, they looked completely at ease. Pathum Nissanka, as always, showed his class in a tricky chase. He scored a classy 50 off 34 deliveries, smashing 6 fours and a six. While losing Mendis at the start, he was greatly accompanied by Kamil Mishara. The young batter also played well by scoring 46 off 32 balls, smacking 4 fours and 2 big sixes.

In the end, it looked like a cakewalk for the Sri Lankan team, as they chased down the modest Bangladeshi total within 15 overs. Sri Lanka now looks well set to grab the top position in Group B, as they will play their next match against Hong Kong in Dubai on Monday.

Sri Lanka hunted down Bangladesh with complete ease in Abu Dhabi. They chased down the target of 140 within just 15 overs.

Sri Lanka Beats Bangladesh in a Commanding Style

In a high profile Group B clash, Bangladesh has scored 139 against Sri Lanka at Abu Dhabi. The partnership between Shamim and Jaker proved vital for the Bangladesh team. They played cautiously during the middle overs, making sure to take the game deep without losing further wickets.

Starting the innings, Sri Lankan bowlers attacked the Bangladeshi batters with stunning line and length. As the Abu Dhabi pitch was new, it offered plenty of seam and swing for the Sri Lankan bowlers. Nuwan Thushara made the vital breakthrough in the first over by removing the off stump of Tanzid Hasan with a stunning inswinger. After that, Bangladesh batters came under pressure and lost three more wickets within the Powerplay.

The partnership between Shamim and Jaker then provided a steady base to the Bangladesh team. Both batters understood the situation well and tried to take singles and doubles to keep the scoreboard rotating. Shamim scored 42 off 34 with 3 fours and a six, while Jaker scored 41 with 2 fours. Together, they put on a partnership of 86 runs that allowed Bangladesh to score 139 in the end.

The Sri Lankan batting innings is now underway at Abu Dhabi, as they look to chase down a decent total to take the top position in the group.

Bangladesh has scored 139 in the first innings, giving Sri Lanka a modest yet tricky chase at Abu Dhabi.

Bangladesh’s 139 sets up a tricky chase for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka has won the toss and opted to bowl in a high-stakes clash against Bangladesh. The two Asian giants are playing on a fresh pitch in Abu Dhabi, meaning there is bounce and seam available for bowlers.

Talking about the teams, Sri Lanka has brought in Wanindu Hasaranga as the only spinner in the squad. He has returned to the Asia Cup squad as a fully fit player after missing out the Zimbabwe tour due to a hamstring injury.

Sri Lanka has opted to bring in three all-rounders in the squad for this big clash, including Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, and Wanindu Hasaranga. Alongside them, three specialist fast bowlers will bring in the heat in Abu Dhabi, including Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, and Nuwan Thushara.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, has also picked three specialist fast bowlers. They have left out Taskin Ahmed and included Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam, and Mustafizur Rahman as the specialist fast bowling options. Both Mustafizur and Shoriful are attacking left arm seamers, hence giving them a go against Sri Lankan openers does look to be a good option for Bangladesh.

The game is now underway and is looking well-balanced as Sri Lanka has picked four quick wickets.

Sri Lanka has opted to bowl against Bangladesh in a high profile Group B clash at Abu Dhabi.

Sri Lanka Opts to Bowl Against Bangladesh

In the last few years, the rivalry between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka has reached new heights. Players from both teams understand the importance of this rivalry, as it brings an emotional impact on the fans of their respective countries.

Talking about the history of their matches, you can find plenty of incidents that made a simple contest into a heated cricket contest. The last &lsquo;timeout&rsquo; controversy centering around Shakib Al Hasan and Angelo Mathews in ICC ODI World Cup 2023 also made headlines in the cricket community.

Due to such animated episodes, it always becomes very interesting to watch Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka matches. This ACC Men&rsquo;s T20 Asia Cup 2025 brings us another contest between these two great teams. This time, there are many new faces present on both sides. Both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are also led by new captains, hence it will be a test of nerves for both men leading their respective teams.

Let&rsquo;s take a quick look at how both teams fare in terms of resources, and what we should expect from them in the Saturday showdown.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Bangladesh Squad for ACC Men&rsquo;s T20 Asia Cup 2025&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

Led by Litton Das, the Bangladesh team is looking very well balanced as they have a mix of players who add plenty of depth and variety to the squad. Here is the full squad of Bangladesh for the ACC Men&rsquo;s T20 Asia Cup 2025 listed below.

Litton Das (c)

Jaker Ali

Mahedi Hasan

Mohammad Saifuddin

Mustafizur Rahman

Nasum Ahmed

Nurul Hasan

Parvez Hossain Emon

Rishad Hossain

Saif Hassan

Shamim Hossain

Shoriful Islam

Tanzid Hasan

Tanzim Hasan Sakib

Taskin Ahmed

Towhid Hridoy

<h2>Sri Lanka Squad for ACC Men&rsquo;s T20 Asia Cup 2025</h2>

Sri Lanka has made various changes in captaincy during the last few years. They have now found a perfect leader in the form of Charith Asalanka, who is basically a specialist middle-order batter. This ACC Men&rsquo;s T20 Asia Cup 2025 will be a new experience for him, as well as for the other players who are relatively new to this Sri Lankan setup.

Charith Asalanka (c)

Pathum Nissanka

Kusal Mendis

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

<h2>Key Battles to Watch in Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka</h2>

Both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have come into the tournament with some notable names. From Kusal Perera to Mustafizur Rahman, there are specific names on which both teams will rely heavily. Let&rsquo;s take a look at some key battles that could shape the result of this match.

Litton Das vs&nbsp; Nuwan Thushara: Bangladesh captain against Sri Lankan new ball bowler

Pathum Nisanka vs Taskin Ahmed: Sri Lankan opener against veteran Bangladesh attack bowler

Kusal Perera vs Mustafizur Rahman: Sri Lankan batting specialist against Bangladesh strike bowler

Towhid Hridoy vs Wanindu Hasaranga: Bangladesh middle order batter against Sri Lankan lead spinner.

<h2>Match Prediction&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

The game between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will not be a one sided game, as both teams are geared up with specialist resources. It will be a test of Bangladesh&#39;s batting against highly prolific Sri Lankan spinners. Bangladesh will need to play the middle overs cautiously, keeping wickets in hand and run-rate in check. Similarly, Sri Lanka will need to play the Powerplay well, as Mustafizur and Taskin can bring heat to them. It will therefore be a great contest, as both teams will look to trounce each other by bringing their A-game to the field.

<h2>Final Words</h2>

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka matches cannot be missed, as they bring a stunning flare of enthusiastic passion to the field. Both teams understand the rivalry as well as spirit of the game, hence they usually keep the passion and aggression within the field. This contest is therefore a must watch for all the cricket fans who want to experience peak thrill and drama in high profile T20I matches.

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are gearing up to face each other on Saturday. Here’s a quick preview of how both teams are preparing.

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup 2025 Battle

Bangladesh clinched their first-ever&nbsp;T20I series win against Sri Lanka, sealing a 2-1 victory with an emphatic eight-wicket win in the decider at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

<h2>Match Highlights:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Sri Lanka&nbsp;set a modest 132/7, thanks to Pathum Nissanka&rsquo;s 46 and Dasun Shanaka&rsquo;s late 35*.</li>
	<li>Bangladesh&rsquo;s bowlers, led by&nbsp;Mahedi Hasan, reduced Sri Lanka to 49/4 in the powerplay and finished with impressive figures of&nbsp;4/11 in 4 overs, breaking Harbhajan Singh&rsquo;s 2012 record for the best bowling by a visiting spinner at Premadasa.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Batting Brilliance:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>It was opening batsman Tanzid Hasan Tamim who hit an outstanding match-winning unbeaten 73 off 47 balls * his best in T20 Internationals, that included six mighty sixes. He put on an unbeaten 74-run stand with captain Litton Das (32*), as the chase was completed in 16.3 overs.</li>
	<li>Bangladesh was successful in completing the chase by subduing and winning the first series, Sri Lanka.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Why It Matters:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>This win is Bangladesh&#39;s first-ever T20I series triumph in Sri Lanka, although the touring side had returns to back Test (0-1) and One-day Series (1-2) losses.</li>
</ul>

Mahedi&rsquo;s 4/11&nbsp;dismantled the Sri Lankan top order, while&nbsp;Tanzid&rsquo;s unbeaten assault&nbsp;turned the game decisively in Bangladesh&rsquo;s favor.

Bangladesh clinched their first-ever T20I series win against Sri Lanka, sealing a 2-1 victory with an emphatic eight-wicket win in the decider at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Mahedi, Tanzid Lead Bangladesh to Landmark T20I Series Win in Sri Lanka

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan has finally spoken about Shakib Al Hasan&rsquo;s future in international cricket, amid growing questions over the all-rounder&rsquo;s role and long-term availability.

In a recent interview with local media, Hassan said the board is in regular contact with Shakib but admitted there&rsquo;s still no clarity on whether he plans to continue across formats. &ldquo;We are speaking to Shakib. He has not officially said anything about retirement or stepping down,&rdquo; the BCB chief revealed. &ldquo;As far as I know, he is available, but we also have to see what he wants.&rdquo;

Shakib, who has been a key figure in Bangladesh cricket for over a decade, has not been consistently involved with the team across all formats this year. He missed several tours due to injury and personal decisions, and there has been speculation about whether he will fully commit to the national side in the lead-up to the 2025 Champions Trophy and beyond.

<a href="https://a-sports.tv/bangladesh-cricket-president-opens-up-on-shakib-al-hasan-future">The BCB president acknowledged</a> that Shakib&rsquo;s decision will heavily impact Bangladesh&rsquo;s plans. &ldquo;If he is fit and available, he&rsquo;s always a part of our plans. But we also need to plan ahead if he chooses to focus on fewer formats or take a break,&rdquo; Hassan said.

Shakib last played a full series earlier in 2025 and has since been limited to occasional appearances. His absence during the recent Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series was also noted by fans and experts, further fuelling talks about a potential transition phase in Bangladesh&rsquo;s squad.

Meanwhile, fans remain divided on social media. While many believe Shakib still has much to offer, others think it&rsquo;s time for the team to groom new leaders.

As things stand, the BCB will wait for Shakib to make a clear call on his future. Until then, his involvement remains uncertain.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan has finally spoken about Shakib Al Hasan’s future

BCB President Breaks Silence on Shakib Al Hasan’s Future

Veteran Bangladesh coach Salahuddin has ruled out setting a stamp of favouritism after the increasing suspicion over his position with the national side. This comes amid uncertainty over whether the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will retain him as part of their coaching setup after the Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series 2025.

Salahuddin addressed rumours suggesting that some players had been given preference due to personal relationships. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t believe in favouritism. I&rsquo;ve always focused on developing players based on their merit and performance,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t pick players. That&rsquo;s not my job. My role is to support them, help them improve.&rdquo;

Salahuddin has long been seen as a mentor to several top Bangladeshi cricketers, including Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Tamim Iqbal. While that has earned him respect, it has also led to criticism that he holds too much influence behind the scenes.

Meanwhile, the BCB has not made any clear statement on Salahuddin&rsquo;s future with the national side. Board officials, when asked, have repeatedly stated that a decision will be made after internal reviews.&nbsp;

The silence from the BCB has left fans divided. Some have taken to social media to defend Salahuddin&rsquo;s contributions, while others believe a fresh coaching approach may be needed as Bangladesh prepares for upcoming ICC events.

For now, Salahuddin continues to work with players on a short-term basis and remains open to extending his involvement&mdash;if the board sees value in it.

Veteran Bangladeshi coach Salahuddin has dismissed claims of favouritism following growing speculation about his role with the national team.

Salahuddin Rejects Favouritism Claims as BCB Stays Silent on His Future

In the second T20I, Bangladesh levelled the three-match series at 1-1, when they defeated Sri Lanka by a vast 83 runs. A victory that held testament to their incredible batting and precise bowling, even on a rainy day.

Bangladesh chose to bat first and left a solid 177 for 7. This was facilitated by Liton Das&rsquo;s unbeaten 76 off 50 balls and reinforced by a dynamic 48 off 27 from Shamim Hossain. They reclaimed the momentum with their stellar 77-run stand in just 39 deliveries.

Although they initially ran into a hurdle, losing both openers in just the first two overs, Liton skillfully anchored the innings and survived a narrow challenge on 30 and 56. This partnership gave the innings much-needed stability.

Bangladesh&#39;s bowlers struck hard; Rishad Hossain&rsquo;s 3/18 skillfully took advantage of&nbsp; Sri Lanka&#39;s weaknesses. Both Shoriful Islam and Mohammad Saifuddin supported him on this when they claimed two wickets, as the hosts were bundled out for 94 in just 15.2 overs. This was their lowest T20I total at home.

The match collapsed early for Sri Lanka, with four wickets down for 30 inside the powerplay. A direct-hit run-out from Shamim and tight lines from Shoriful and Saifuddin dismantled the chase.

This 83-run triumph is Bangladesh&rsquo;s largest ever T20I win against a Test nation, eclipsing their previous best of 80 runs against the West Indies in 2024. Despite their 84-run win over Papua New Guinea, this has been their second-largest margin ever.

Sri Lanka&rsquo;s total of 94 all out marks their worst home T20I score ever. This underlined Bangladesh&#39;s dominance in this fixture.

<h2>What&rsquo;s next</h2>

Series decider: The final T20I takes place on 16 July at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, with both teams set for a winner‑takes‑all showdown.

Bangladesh&rsquo;s momentum: Liton&rsquo;s form and Rishad&rsquo;s spin, together, could define the decider.

Sri Lanka&rsquo;s challenge: Their batting needs serious regrouping, strong starts and penalty-corner conversion must be priorities.

Bangladesh&rsquo;s aggressive response turned the tide in the series: a statement performance with bat and ball that sets up a high-stakes decider on Wednesday. Sri Lanka must bounce back&mdash;but on this form, Bangladesh are full of confidence.

Bangladesh roared back into contention, defeating Sri Lanka by a massive 83 runs in the second T20I

Bangladesh level T20I series with thumping win over Sri Lanka

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