Bangladesh commenced their Asia Cup campaign on a somber note, succumbing to co-hosts Sri Lanka by five wickets after a dismal batting performance in Pallekele. Despite Najmul Hossain Shanto’s valiant 89 off 122 balls, the Tigers could only muster a paltry total of 164 runs in 42.4 overs. Sri Lanka, despite a few early hiccups and a late wobble, comfortably cruised to victory with 66 balls to spare.

Optimism briefly surfaced in the Bangladesh camp when Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and skipper Shakib Al Hasan orchestrated the removal of the Sri Lankan top order, reducing them to a precarious three for 43 in just 9.2 overs. However, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka’s resilient 78-run partnership for the fourth wicket all but sealed Sri Lanka’s path to victory. Samarawickrama notched his fourth ODI fifty with a composed 77-ball 54, while Asalanka remained unbeaten with 62 off 92 deliveries.

This defeat in their inaugural game places significant pressure on Shakib and his squad, as qualifying for the Super Four stage now presents a more formidable challenge for the Tigers, who entered the tournament with high expectations.

Due to the hybrid format in this Asia Cup, Bangladesh faces a critical encounter, needing to defeat Afghanistan in their final group-stage match on September 3 in Lahore. Additionally, they will be reliant on Sri Lanka defeating Afghanistan in the other group game to secure a Super Four berth without considering run-rate calculations.