Litton Das Blames Powerplay Collapse for Bangladesh’s Defeat Against Sri Lanka

Bangladesh's Asia Cup 2025 campaign was dealt a huge setback after a crushing six-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka on Saturday, September 13, at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Bangladesh, batting first, had a dismal start, losing two wickets in the first two overs without scoring a single run. Captain Litton Das confessed that the early collapse sealed their destiny, leaving them with a low score that Sri Lanka easily surpassed.

Bangladesh's openers, Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon, were removed cheaply by Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera. The scoreboard remained blank for 14 deliveries, showcasing Sri Lanka's bowling pressure. Bangladesh were put on the back foot early and never recovered, scoring only 139 for five in 20 overs.

Litton Das spoke candidly about his team's troubles following the setback. He admitted that the bad start in the powerplay made the game one-sided, as the pitch provided little assistance to bowlers and was otherwise great for batting. According to him, a score of 170-180 would have been competitive, but 140 fell far short of expectations.

In sharp contrast, Sri Lanka implemented their strategy with precision. Captain Charith Asalanka hailed his team's bowlers for making early breakthroughs. He also emphasised the importance of Wanindu Hasaranga, whose variations in middle overs kept Bangladesh under check.

Sri Lanka dominated with the bat in the chase for 140. Pathum Nissanka top-scored with a fluent 50 off 34 balls, while Kamil Mishara hit an undefeated 46 off 32. Their controlled aggression ensured that Sri Lanka finished in just 14.4 overs, emphasising the day's disparity between the two teams.

Despite the early fall, Bangladesh encountered considerable resistance in the middle order. Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain put up an undefeated 86-run partnership, giving the innings some respectability. Both players were not out, scoring 41 and 42, respectively, averting a complete batting disaster. However, their efforts were unable to compensate for the damage done in the first few overs.

Bangladesh's bowling, too, lacked the bite needed to preserve a modest score. The bowlers failed to capitalise on early opportunities, and the Sri Lankan top order punished loose balls.

Bangladesh's setback has put them in a precarious position in Group B. Their net run rate fell to -0.650, harming their qualification chances. With Afghanistan up next on September 16, the game has virtually become a do-or-die situation for Litton Das and his side.

To stay in the competition, Bangladesh will need both a victory and improved performance across all departments. Sri Lanka's success enhances their standing in the group. Their domination with both bat and ball suggests that they will be serious competitors as the Asia Cup progresses.

Conclusion

Bangladesh's loss to Sri Lanka highlights the importance of the opening overs in T20 cricket. Litton Das' admission about the powerplay collapse emphasises the need of responding fast and dealing with pressure at the top of the order. Bangladesh's campaign is currently hanging by a thread, and they must recover and deliver against Afghanistan if they wish to advance.