KEY POINTS
- Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka by 4 wickets in last-over thriller.
- Saif Hassan scored 61, Towhid Hridoy hit 58 in chase of 169.
- Mustafizur Rahman starred with 3/20, Mahedi Hasan took 2/25.
- Dasun Shanaka’s unbeaten 64 lifted Sri Lanka to 168/7.
- Shamim Hossain held nerve in final over to seal win.
DUBAI: Bangladesh pulled off a stunning four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the opening Super Four clash of the Asia Cup 2025, chasing down a challenging 169-run target with just one ball to spare at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday night.
Saif and Hridoy Lead the Chase
Bangladesh’s chase was anchored by a composed 61 off 45 balls from Saif Hassan, who combined power with patience to rebuild after an early wobble. He found solid support in Towhid Hridoy, who unleashed a fiery 58 off 37 deliveries, featuring four boundaries and two sixes, setting up a tense finish.
The two batters stitched together a crucial 54-run partnership for the third wicket, stabilizing the innings after Tanzid Hasan fell for a duck in the opening over and Litton Das followed shortly after with a brisk 23. Saif was declared player of the match.
Despite late jitters, including the quick dismissals of Jaker Ali and Mahedi Hasan in the 20th over, Shamim Hossain (14*) held his nerve alongside Nasum Ahmed (1*) to see the team home in the penultimate delivery.
Shanaka’s Heroics in Vain
Earlier, Sri Lanka were guided to a strong total of 168/7 thanks to a brilliant knock from Dasun Shanaka, who smashed an unbeaten 64 off 37 balls, including three fours and six towering sixes. His late acceleration, aided briefly by Charith Asalanka’s quickfire 21, helped Sri Lanka recover from 97/4 at one stage.
Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Mustafizur Rahman (3/20) and Mahedi Hasan (2/25), struck at regular intervals and applied pressure, despite expensive spells from Shoriful Islam (0/49) and Nasum Ahmed (0/36).
Tense Final Over Drama
In the final over bowled by Shanaka, Bangladesh saw Jaker Ali and Mahedi Hasan fall in quick succession, but Shamim’s cool head ensured they crossed the finish line, sealing a memorable win.
The win gives Bangladesh an early edge in the Super Four standings, while Sri Lanka are left to regroup ahead of their next match in what promises to be a fiercely contested stage.
Match Summary:
Sri Lanka: 168/7 (Dasun Shanaka 64*, Mustafizur 3/20, Mahedi Hasan 2/25)
Bangladesh: 169/6 in 19.5 overs (Saif Hassan 61, Towhid Hridoy 58, Hasaranga 2/22)
Result: Bangladesh won by 4 wickets with 1 ball remaining.
Next Fixture:
Pakistan will face India in their next Super Four match on Sunday.
