Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka has thrown down the marker ahead of his side’s Asia Cup 2025 opener, insisting that the defending champions’ mentality will be their biggest strength when they face Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
“Mentally, the fact that we are defending champions is a really good thing,” Asalanka said on the eve of the clash. “Many of the players who featured in the last edition are here as well. We know that being champions gives us the belief to go far, and the players are using that as motivation.”
The Asia Cup alternates between ODI and T20I formats depending on the upcoming ICC World Cup. While India lifted the 2023 ODI edition, Sri Lanka still hold the T20 crown after their 2022 triumph. For Asalanka, that history provides a vital psychological edge.
Abu Dhabi Conditions a Boost for Batters
Asalanka also expressed confidence that conditions in Abu Dhabi could play into Sri Lanka’s hands. “When you compare these conditions with other venues in the UAE, I think Abu Dhabi is the best pitch for batting,” he explained. “Once the ball gets softer it’s much easier to play here, and the outfield is excellent. Every batsman wants to bat in Abu Dhabi.”
That assessment could set up an intriguing contest given Bangladesh’s own batting firepower, with captain Litton Das leading a lineup full of stroke-makers.
Familiar Rivals, High Stakes
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh know each other inside out. Already this year, they’ve contested three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests. Sri Lanka dominated the ODIs and Tests, but Bangladesh took the T20I series – a result that gives them confidence heading into Saturday’s showdown.
With both sides eyeing an early statement in Group B, the match in Abu Dhabi carries extra weight. For Sri Lanka, it is about reasserting their authority as holders of the T20 crown. For Bangladesh, it is about proving their T20 series win earlier this year was no fluke.
Squads
Sri Lanka: 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.
Bangladesh: Litton Das (c, wk), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mohammad Saifuddin.
Asalanka’s words underline Sri Lanka’s determination to begin their campaign with authority. But against a Bangladesh side hungry for redemption, Abu Dhabi is set for a battle that could shape the group’s destiny.
