Sri Lanka’s Big Gamble Backfires

Sri Lanka’s hopes of reaching the Asia Cup 2025 Finals took a heavy blow on Saturday after being outplayed by a spirited Bangladesh side.

Having beaten Bangladesh comfortably in the group stage, Sri Lanka once again opted to play with just three frontline bowlers—Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, and Nuwan Thushara.

Throughout the group stage, Chameera and Thushara were instrumental in providing early breakthroughs, setting the tone for the rest of the attack. However, in this crucial Super 4 clash, both leaked runs, putting immense pressure on the spinners and part-timers. Bangladesh capitalized brilliantly on this weakness.

The bold call to drop world-class spinner Maheesh Theekshana in favor of Dunith Wellalage may have seemed logical on paper—offering batting depth and covering for Theekshana’s inconsistent fielding. Yet, the move backfired badly. Despite recent dip in form, Theekshana remains Sri Lanka’s most reliable option at containing opposition batsmen—something they sorely missed.

Now, Sri Lanka face a daunting task: they must beat both Pakistan and India to keep their final hopes alive, or rely on a tricky combination of results. The most likely route? Beat Pakistan by a big margin and hope Pakistan defeat Bangladesh, assuming India sweep all their games.

Commentators have been vocal about Sri Lanka’s 7–4 balance weakening their bowling. Reverting to a 6–5 split would likely mean leaving out Kamindu Mendis—another tough call.

Perhaps recalling Theekshana to play a defensive, economical role could free Hasaranga to attack the middle order like old times.

Sri Lanka are down, but certainly not out.