The Asia Cup has unfolded much as expected so far, with India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan cruising to comfortable wins, and Pakistan also avoiding an early stumble. Saturday, however, offers a far more balanced contest. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have shared an intense T20 rivalry over the past decade, splitting their 16 meetings evenly at eight wins apiece. While the fire of the old “naagin rivalry” has dimmed, these sides remain closely matched in this format.

Recent results tilt in Bangladesh’s favor. They beat Sri Lanka 2-1 away in July and claimed another victory in last year’s T20 World Cup in Dallas. Those successes were built on incisive bowling, with early breakthroughs and consistent wicket-taking. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be desperate for batting stability—especially after their collapse to 80 all out against Zimbabwe less than two weeks ago.

Bangladesh also hold the advantage of having played at this venue already. Their emphatic win over Hong Kong on Thursday was a near-perfect performance: seamers striking early, the top order calmly chasing down a modest target, and legspinner Rishad Hossain again impressing with control and penetration. Rishad was particularly effective against Sri Lanka in July, conceding just 5.47 runs per over across three matches.

With Afghanistan also lurking in this “group of death,” defeat here would leave either side with a daunting path to the Super Four.

Team news

• Bangladesh are unlikely to change the XI that dispatched Hong Kong, sticking with three frontline seamers.
  Probable XI: Pervez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (capt & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman.

• Sri Lanka will welcome back Wanindu Hasaranga, with captain Charith Asalanka confirming his return from a hamstring injury. The side is expected to field three seamers, with Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara certainties, and Binura Fernando likely edging out Matheesha Pathirana.
  Probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (capt), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara.