Sri Lanka
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The Asia Cup 2025 begins today, September 9, in the United Arab Emirates, with Afghanistan vs. Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi setting the tone for three weeks of thrilling T20 cricket. The tournament, which runs until September 28, features eight teams battling for Asian supremacy in what doubles as a crucial warm-up ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Chasing Glory Again
Six-time champions Sri Lanka return with hopes of reclaiming continental dominance. With a proud history of winning the Asia Cup in both ODI and T20 formats, the Lions are determined to sharpen strategies and test their squad before next year’s World Cup.
Their campaign begins against Bangladesh on September 13 in Abu Dhabi (8:00 PM IST), followed by fixtures against Hong Kong (Sept 15, Dubai) and Afghanistan (Sept 18, Abu Dhabi). Success in these matches will pave the way to the Super Fours starting September 20, leading up to the grand final on September 28 in Dubai (8:00 PM IST).
Groups & Tournament Format
The eight participating teams are split into two groups:
Group A: India, Oman, Pakistan, UAE
Group B: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka
The top two teams from each group progress to the Super Fours, from which the best two sides qualify for the final.
Venues & Match Timings
Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai – 11 matches including the final
Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi – 8 matches
Match timings (IST):
Evening matches: 8:00 PM IST (6:30 PM UAE)
Day match: 5:30 PM IST (4:00 PM UAE, Sept 15 – UAE vs. Oman)
Sri Lanka’s Group Stage Fixtures (IST)
Sept 13 (Sat): Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh – Abu Dhabi, 8:00 PM
Sept 15 (Mon): Sri Lanka vs. Hong Kong – Dubai, 8:00 PM
Sept 18 (Thu): Sri Lanka vs. Afghanistan – Abu Dhabi, 8:00 PM
Spotlight Clash: India vs. Pakistan
The tournament’s most anticipated showdown will be India vs. Pakistan on Sept 14 in Dubai (8:00 PM IST). Depending on results, the arch-rivals could face off up to three times, possibly including the final.
What’s at Stake for Sri Lanka
For the Lions, the Asia Cup is about more than regional bragging rights. It’s a chance to:
Fine-tune T20 strategies
Test bench strength before the World Cup
Boost team confidence ahead of 2026
With fans cheering from home, Sri Lanka will be looking to turn the desert challenge into another chapter of Asia Cup glory.
