Bangladesh slump to heavy defeat against Sri Lanka after batting collapse

Bangladesh’s batting frailties were exposed once again as they crashed to a six-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in their second Asia Cup match at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Only a fighting partnership between Shamim Hossain and Jaker Ali Anik provided some resistance on an otherwise disappointing day.

Coming into the tournament high on confidence after three consecutive T20I series wins, Bangladesh looked a shadow of themselves on Saturday. Put in to bat, they managed only 139 for 5, with Shamim and Zakir adding an unbeaten 86-run stand for the sixth wicket. Sri Lanka chased down the 140-run target with ease, sealing victory with 32 balls to spare.

Bangladesh made one change to their XI, bringing back Shoriful Islam in place of Taskin Ahmed, although the management could have opted to rest Taskin for the Hong Kong fixture instead.

Their batting, however, crumbled from the start. Openers Tanzid Hasan Tamim (0) and Parvez Hossain Emon (0) were both dismissed inside the first two overs by Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera, leaving the side in early trouble. Skipper Litton Das tried to steady the innings with 28 off 26 balls, but his dismissal sparked further collapse as Towhid Hridoy (8) and Mahedi Hasan (9) fell cheaply.

At 53 for 5, Bangladesh were staring at humiliation before Shamim Hossain (41* off 34, 2 fours, 1 six) and Jaker Ali Anik (41* off 34, 4 fours) showed resilience, guiding their team to 139 without further damage.

Sri Lanka’s chase was never under threat. Although Mustafizur Rahman dismissed Kusal Mendis (3) early, Pathum Nissanka (50 off 31) and Kamil Mishara (46* off 32) put on a 95-run partnership for the second wicket that all but sealed the game. Nissanka struck 4 fours and a six before falling to Mahedi, while Mishara stayed unbeaten, striking 4 fours and 2 sixes to finish the job.

Despite losing Kusal Perera (9), Dasun Shanaka (1), and later Nissanka, Sri Lanka cruised home with captain Charith Asalanka (10*) alongside Mishara.

Among the bowlers, Wanindu Hasaranga took 2 wickets, while Chameera and Thushara picked up one apiece.

Bangladesh now face a must-win situation in their remaining group match, with their batting once again under the scanner after another costly collapse.