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The first weekend of Asia Cup 2025 is here. And as always, there's plenty of anticipation and buzz around this fierce rivalry set to dominate television screens around the globe.
Except, are we really talking about India-Pakistan here? Over the last few years, there has been plenty of evidence to show that the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka rivalry is as intense - and equally whacky - as any there is in the sport, stemming from closely fought battles, verbal exchanges and the now infamous Naagin dance.
Which is why it ought not to come to anyone's surprise should the winner of Saturday's contest break into the Naagin jig. As absurd as it may sound, it's a near tradition associated with this contest now even as the two teams played out an all-format rubber in Sri Lanka minus any controversy as recently as July.
Yet, the chances of this being the only game between these two sides this tournament are pretty decent, given just how strong Afghanistan have grown in this format, besides their own imposing win over Hong Kong that sent their net run-rate skyrocketing upwards. Bangladesh got off to a winning start of their own against Hong Kong and having ousted Sri Lanka in their own backyard in the T20I leg of the aforementioned tour, arrive with a slight psychological edge.
Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka joked about wanting to sleep during the captains' press conference, highlighting the crammed scheduling with Sri Lanka having just recently completed a tour of Zimbabwe before flying to the UAE. But Sri Lanka are the only team yet to get their campaign underway and given that a losing start would only put them under the pump besides giving Bangladesh a serious advantage as far as qualifying for the next round is concerned, it is imperative that the Lankans, who were champions the last time the Asia Cup was played in the T20 format, hit the ground running.
Much like Pakistan and Bangladesh, Sri Lanka have looked to change their style of batting in this format too. It was evident in how they bounced back from being bundled out for a paltry 80 last weekend to chase down 192 successfully the very next day. That chase was set up by Kamil Mishara's scintillating unbeaten 73 at number 3 - a knock that has almost certainly earned him a berth in Sri Lanka's starting XI on Saturday, with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis opening the innings and Kusal Perera likely to bat at 4.
Each of these batters is destructive and can single-handedly win games on his day, even if this top four may not pose an intimidating look on paper. With Kamindu Mendis flexing his muscles in Zimbabwe and skipper Charith Asalanka as reliable as they come in conditions where the ball could stop and turn, Sri Lanka's batting lineup boasts of plenty of promise. Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka's captain when they last won the Asia Cup, can hit a long ball but it remains to be seen if he features in the starting XI with Wanindu Hasaranga fit again and back in the mix.
Hasaranga can comfortably slot in at number 7 although if Sri Lanka opt for batting depth, it could be Shanaka himself at 7 with Hasaranga batting one spot lower besides resuming his partnership with Maheesh Theekshana in the spin department. Dushmantha Chameera bagged wickets for fun in Zimbabwe and should play alongside either Binura Fernando or Nuwan Thushara in the pace attack. This would mean that Kamindu then shoulders the responsibility of the third spinner.
Bangladesh had a solid outing against Hong Kong despite the latter putting up a fight in patches. The Tigers' win was orchestrated by their bowlers, who did a superb job of keeping Hong Kong down to an under-par 143 which, despite the sluggish conditions on offer, was never going to be a daunting total. Taskin Ahmed cranked up the speedometers while Tanzim Hasan Sakib got the ball to fly himself, snaring a couple of wickets in the process. Mustafizur Rahman was economical and Rishad Hossain picked up two wickets of his own, boosting his own confidence ahead of this big clash.
Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan may not have converted their starts but they did look to bat with positive intent in the powerplay - something that Bangladesh will need to continue doing a lot of. Skipper Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy ensured it was a smooth sail thereafter even as Das perished very close to the finish line. Hridoy enjoyed a fine outing against Sri Lanka at the T20 World Cup in Dallas last year and replicating some of his big shots is something that Bangladesh would take dearly, even as Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain will be expected to wield the willow themselves.
Bangladesh have had a taste of conditions already at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium and that, coupled with their recent success in the format against Sri Lanka, ought to give them a slight edge. But Sri Lanka are known to show up in the continental event quite consistently and having had a few days to refresh, will be charged up to get on the board immediately. To do so against one of their fiercest rivals could only spur them on as the tournament goes along and that is enough motivation to put their best foot forward on Saturday.
It's the Tigers against the Lions. And yet, a contest that could be marked by a 'snake' dance. This is Bangladesh versus Sri Lanka - whacky, intense and highly entertaining. And you surely don't want to miss this!
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