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Published : 20 Sep 2025, 08:27 PM
A composed 61 from Saif Hassan, a well-judged 58 by Towhid Hridoy, and a clinical 3–20 from Mustafizur Rahman powered Bangladesh to a thrilling four-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the Super Four opener of the Asia Cup in Dubai.
After opting to bowl first, Bangladesh bowlers tightened the screws at key moments as Mustafizur’s variations at the death, combined with disciplined bowling from Mahedi Hasan (2-25), kept Sri Lankan batters mostly quiet on Saturday.
Dasun Shanaka, however, defiantly blazed to 64 off only 37 deliveries, laced with 3 boundaries and 6 sixes, to help the Islanders post a competitive 168 for 7.
Bangladesh would have preferred fewer nerves at the finish, but the only column that matters reads win, which ended Sri Lanka’s unbeaten run in the tournament.
The pursuit began shakily as Tanzid Hasan fell early, but Saif Hasan (61) imposed himself from the outset, carving out 59 runs with his captain Litton Das (23) for the second wicket.
Driving on the up and picking gaps at will, he set the tone alongside Litton, who kept the board ticking before departing at a crucial juncture for a 16-ball 23.
Enter Hridoy, who matched Saif’s tempo and clarity. Absorbing the pressure, Saif and Hridoy added a steady 54 runs for the third wicket, an injection of pace that all but settled the chase.
Saif found gaps square of the wicket with ease, while Hridoy rotated the strike and punished any loose deliveries to keep their team on course at 114 for 2 in the 14th over.
After Hasaranga grabbed the prized scalp of Saif with a floater on off stump, Hridoy took charge and brought Bangladesh near the coast, needing 10 off the last 10 balls. But late drama was on the cards.
Dushmantha Chameera’s (1-32) dismissal of Hridoy in the penultimate over seemed to hit a trick nerve for the Tigers as Shanaka grabbed two in the final over of the chase to tease a twist, but Bangladesh held their nerve to close it out with a ball in hand and secure a valuable two points.
Earlier, Mustafizur delivered a masterclass in control and variation to puncture Sri Lanka’s momentum. His early strike set the tone, and his death overs squeezed the last drops from the innings, with disciplined support ensuring regular resets.
Sri Lanka's innings was built around Shanaka’s knock, which was supported by Kusal Mendis (34) and Pathum Nissanka (22).
The opening pair set a solid foundation with a 44-run stand, but Bangladesh’s bowlers fought back. Mahedi removed both Kusal and Kamil Mishara.
Despite a late flourish from Shanaka, the Tigers' disciplined bowling attack ensured the target remained within reach.
