Thursday, 9th July 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 18th September 2025, 11:59 AM
In the final Group B clash of the Asia Cup, Sri Lanka face Afghanistan today (18 September). Although Bangladesh are not playing, their fate in the tournament hangs entirely on this match. The Tigers’ progression to the Super Four — or their elimination — will be determined by the outcome. For Bangladesh, the equation is simple: a Sri Lankan victory secures their passage. As a result, Bangladeshi supporters have suddenly transformed into Sri Lanka’s “die-hard fans”.
Bangladesh have already done their part, finishing the group stage with 4 points. Their advancement now rests on the shoulders of Dasun Shanaka’s side.
This has created an unusual situation. Traditionally, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have built a fierce cricketing rivalry, often dubbed the “Nagin Derby”, marked by intense encounters and social media banter. Yet, ahead of this decisive fixture, Bangladeshi fans are openly rooting for Sri Lanka.
On Facebook, large numbers of Bangladeshi supporters have flooded the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) official page, leaving a wave of likes and comments urging the team to perform well. The interaction has been so overwhelming that SLC shared a screenshot of one post filled entirely with Bangladeshi comments on its own “story”.
Group B Standings Before the Decider
| Team | Matches Played | Points | Net Run Rate (NRR) |
| Sri Lanka | 2 | 4 | +1.546 |
| Bangladesh | 3 | 4 | -0.270 |
| Afghanistan | 2 | 2 | +2.150 |
For Bangladesh, Sri Lanka’s victory is the clearest and safest route. But the permutations are more complex:
| Team’s Position | Qualification Scenario |
| Bangladesh | Sri Lanka must win. If Sri Lanka lose, it must be by at least 71 runs (batting second) or 53 balls remaining (batting first) for Bangladesh to progress alongside Afghanistan. |
| Sri Lanka | Even if they lose, as long as the margin is within 71 runs/53 balls, they will qualify with Afghanistan. |
| Afghanistan | They must win. Any victory — even by the narrowest of margins — eliminates Bangladesh due to net run rate. |
Bangladeshi fans, who usually clash with Sri Lankan supporters online, are now united in their hopes for a Sri Lankan triumph. As one fan commented under SLC’s post: “Today we are all Sri Lankan fans. Please win for us!”
The stakes are high, the loyalties temporarily shifted, and as the ball is bowled in Tobruk, two nations’ fates will intertwine on a cricket field hundreds of miles away.
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