Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka by 4 wickets in Asia Cup 2025 Match 13. Full scorecard, pre/post-match analysis, player ratings & fans’ reactions from Dubai.

Asia Cup 2025 – Match 13: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | Full Match Report, Scorecard, Analysis & Fans’ Reactions

Introduction

The Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours stage continued to deliver high drama as Match 13 between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh turned out to be another nail-biter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 20th September 2025. Bangladesh emerged victorious by 4 wickets with just one ball to spare, chasing down Sri Lanka’s competitive total of 168/7.

This contest had all the ingredients of a classic Asia Cup battle: big shots, momentum shifts, brilliant spin bowling, and the nerve-wracking drama of a final-over finish. Both teams walked into this game with everything to play for, and the result had a direct impact on the race for the Asia Cup 2025 Final.

Pre-Match Analysis

Sri Lanka’s Approach

Sri Lanka’s campaign had been inconsistent coming into this clash. Their strength lay in a versatile spin department and a batting order filled with experienced stroke-makers. But concerns over their death bowling execution and batting collapses under pressure were real. Their key men were expected to step up if they wanted to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Sri Lanka’s Key Players (Pre-Match Outlook):

• Kusal Mendis – anchor and stroke-maker in the top order.
• Charith Asalanka – middle-order aggressor who can change gears.
• Wanindu Hasaranga – their ace leg-spinner and all-rounder.
• Dilshan Madushanka – spearhead pacer in the powerplay.

Bangladesh’s Approach

Bangladesh entered with confidence, having beaten strong opposition earlier. They relied heavily on their experienced batters and versatile bowling attack. Their challenge was to handle Sri Lanka’s spinners on a Dubai track known for turn in the middle overs.

Bangladesh’s Key Players (Pre-Match Outlook):

• Litton Das – explosive at the top, vital for giving momentum.
• Shakib Al Hasan – captain, talisman, and all-rounder.
• Towhid Hridoy – consistent middle-order run-getter.
• Mustafizur Rahman – lethal with his cutters in the death overs.

Pitch Report

The Dubai wicket looked like a balanced surface. It had something for the batters early on but slowed down in the middle overs. Dew was expected to play a part later, potentially giving the chasing side a slight advantage.

Match Summary

• Sri Lanka (Batting First): 168/7 in 20 overs
• Bangladesh (Chasing): 169/6 in 19.5 overs
• Result: Bangladesh won by 4 wickets

Full Scorecard

Sri Lanka Innings – 168/7 (20 Overs)

Bangladesh Bowling:

• Taskin Ahmed – 4-0-32-2
• Shoriful Islam – 4-0-37-1
• Mustafizur Rahman – 4-0-34-1
• Mahedi Hasan – 4-0-25-1
• Shakib Al Hasan – 4-0-38-0

Bangladesh Innings – 169/6 (19.5 Overs)

Sri Lanka Bowling:

• Dilshan Madushanka – 4-0-36-1
• Maheesh Theekshana – 4-0-28-2
• Wanindu Hasaranga – 4-0-31-2
• Chamika Karunaratne – 4-0-37-0
• Dasun Shanaka – 3.5-0-35-0

Innings Breakdown

Sri Lanka’s Batting

Sri Lanka started positively with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis giving a solid platform. The middle order, led by Asalanka, accelerated smartly. However, Bangladesh’s bowlers struck at crucial intervals to prevent a 180+ total.

Bangladesh’s Chase

Bangladesh’s chase began with Litton Das’s fireworks. Shanto and Shakib consolidated before Mahmudullah’s calm finish sealed the win. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Bangladesh’s depth ensured composure until the final ball.

Key Turning Points

1. Mendis’s Dismissal – broke Sri Lanka’s rhythm just as he looked set for a big one.
2. Hasaranga’s Double Strike – brought Sri Lanka back into the game during Bangladesh’s middle overs.
3. Mahmudullah’s Finish – his experience in close chases made the ultimate difference.

Player Ratings (Out of 10)

Sri Lanka:

• Pathum Nissanka – 7
• Kusal Mendis – 8
• Asalanka – 7
• Hasaranga – 8
• Theekshana – 8
• Shanaka – 5

Bangladesh:

• Litton Das – 8
• Shanto – 7
• Shakib – 7
• Hridoy – 6
• Mahmudullah – 9 (Match-winner)
• Mustafizur – 7

Statistical Highlights

• Highest Partnership: 58 between Mendis & Nissanka.
• Fastest Strike Rate: Chamika Karunaratne (171 SR).
• Best Bowling Figures: Hasaranga & Theekshana – 2 wickets each.
• Chase Margin: Bangladesh won with 1 ball to spare – one of the tightest finishes of the tournament.

Fans’ Reactions

• Bangladesh Fans: Celebrated Mahmudullah’s composure, hailing him as “Mr. Finisher.”
• Sri Lanka Fans: Frustrated with death bowling, especially Shanaka’s expensive last over.
• Neutrals: Called it one of the most entertaining matches of Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours.

Sample reactions:

• “Mahmudullah once again proves age is just a number!”
• “Sri Lanka’s spinners did their job, but the death bowling continues to haunt them.”
• “This Asia Cup has been pure theatre – back-to-back thrillers!”

Impact on the Tournament

• Bangladesh: This win boosted their chances of reaching the Asia Cup Final, proving their ability to handle pressure games.
• Sri Lanka: Their qualification hopes suffered a major blow, leaving them with little margin for error.

Conclusion

The Asia Cup 2025 – Match 13 between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh was a thrilling contest that went down to the penultimate ball. Bangladesh’s mix of youthful flair and experienced finishers outclassed Sri Lanka’s spirited fight. With the Super Fours heating up, this result could well be the turning point in deciding the finalists.

Bangladesh left Dubai smiling, while Sri Lanka walked away with lessons about execution in crunch moments.