Bangladesh launched their Asia Cup 2026 campaign in impressive fashion, defeating Sri Lanka by seven wickets with nine balls to spare in Match 2 at the Multan Cricket Stadium. A disciplined bowling performance followed by a clinical chase ensured the Tigers secured their first points of the tournament and moved into the early race for the top spots.

After winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to bowl first and immediately put Sri Lanka under pressure. The decision paid off when Shoriful Islam struck in the opening over, dismissing Dinesh Chandimal for a duck. Pathum Nissanka also struggled to find momentum and was removed by Mustafizur Rahman, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 25/2.

Kusal Mendis attempted to rebuild the innings and produced the best batting display for Sri Lanka. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 38 runs from 20 balls, striking four boundaries and two sixes while maintaining a strike rate of 190. He received valuable support from Kusal Perera, who blasted 19 from just seven deliveries, and Kamindu Mendis, who remained unbeaten on 27 from 10 balls.

However, Bangladesh's bowlers never allowed Sri Lanka to fully capitalize. Shoriful Islam delivered a brilliant spell, finishing with 2 wickets for 13 runs from his two overs. Nasum Ahmed and Shakib Al Hasan also picked up two wickets each, while Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman chipped in with one wicket apiece.

Regular wickets prevented Sri Lanka from building substantial partnerships, and despite late resistance from Kamindu Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga, they could only manage 112/8 from their allotted ten overs.

Chasing a target of 113, Bangladesh began aggressively through Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon. The pair added 46 runs for the opening wicket and immediately shifted the pressure onto Sri Lanka's bowlers.

Tanzid Hasan struck 31 runs from 18 deliveries, including three sixes, while Parvez Hossain Emon contributed a quickfire 21 from only 10 balls. Their attacking approach ensured Bangladesh remained ahead of the required rate throughout the chase.

The turning point came when Saif Hassan walked to the crease. The right-hander produced a composed yet destructive innings, smashing 35 runs from just 16 deliveries. His knock included four boundaries and two sixes and effectively took the game away from Sri Lanka. Saif rotated the strike intelligently while punishing loose deliveries, keeping Bangladesh firmly in control.

After his dismissal, Towhid Hridoy finished the contest in spectacular fashion. The middle-order batter remained unbeaten on 12 from only three balls, striking two sixes to seal victory with 1.3 overs remaining. Litton Das also remained unbeaten on 8 as Bangladesh cruised to 115/3.

Sri Lanka's bowlers struggled to defend a below-par total. Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, and Eshan Malinga each picked up a wicket, but the target simply wasn't enough to challenge Bangladesh's powerful batting lineup.

Match Highlights

• Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka by 7 wickets.
• Sri Lanka posted 112/8 in 10 overs.
• Kusal Mendis top-scored for Sri Lanka with 38 off 20 balls.
• Kamindu Mendis remained unbeaten on 27 off 10 balls.
• Shoriful Islam starred with the ball, taking 2/13.
• Nasum Ahmed and Shakib Al Hasan claimed two wickets each.
• Tanzid Hasan scored 31 from 18 balls in the chase.
• Saif Hassan played a match-winning knock of 35 from 16 balls.
• Towhid Hridoy finished the chase with an unbeaten 12 from 3 deliveries.
• Bangladesh reached 115/3 in 8.3 overs.

Player of the Match

Saif Hassan (Bangladesh)

Saif Hassan anchored Bangladesh's successful chase with a crucial 35 from 16 balls. His aggressive yet controlled innings ensured Bangladesh maintained momentum throughout the chase and comfortably crossed the finish line. The knock earned him the Player of the Match award and provided the perfect start to Bangladesh's Asia Cup 2026 campaign.

Bangladesh's balanced performance with both bat and ball sends a strong message to the rest of the competition. For Sri Lanka, improvements will be needed quickly as they look to bounce back and keep their tournament hopes alive.