Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Sept 13, 2025 (BSS)-Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka won the toss 
and sent Bangladesh into bat first in their Asia Cup opening game at Sheikh 
Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi today.

While Sri Lanka kick-start the tournament with this game, Bangladesh had 
already played a match against Hong Kong and made a winning start with seven-
wicket victory.

Bangladesh brought up one change from that match with Shoriful Islam 
replacing his fellow pacer Taskin Ahmed.

Despite losing the toss, Bangladesh captain Liton Das was happy to get the 
opportunity to bat first.

"Don't mind batting first, looks like a good wicket," Liton told the 
broadcaster after the toss. "We played good cricket in the first game, we 
have to improve in certain areas. To win a game you got to get everything 
right."

Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka, however, said the pitch still doesn't 
hold any match which prompted them to bowl first.

"We are going to bowl, looks like a new pitch so we want to bowl," Asalanka 
said. "It's a good challenge as a captain and we got a good bunch of players. 
We are with three all rounders and Hasaranga is playing."

Line Ups:
 
Bangladesh: Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Liton Das(w/c), Towhid 
Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Patwari, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim 
Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, 
Charith Asalanka(c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, 
Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara.