KEY POINTS
- Dasun Shanaka’s explosive 64 powered Sri Lanka to a competitive total
- Mustafizur Rahman impressed with figures of 3/20
DUBAI: Sri Lanka set a competitive target of 169 against Bangladesh in the first Super Four match of the Asia Cup 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Bangladesh’s decision initially paid dividends as their bowlers kept a tight grip on Sri Lanka’s top and middle order. But it was a blazing late surge from Dasun Shanaka, who smashed 64 off just 37 balls*, that shifted the momentum toward the defending champions.
Dasun Shanaka Anchors Lankan Fightback
Shanaka walked in at a tricky moment but paced his innings to perfection, hammering three boundaries and six sixes in a captain’s knock that provided Sri Lanka a much-needed boost in the death overs.
He found some support from Charith Asalanka, who chipped in with a quick 21 off 12 balls, but it was Shanaka’s fireworks that took the total past 160.
Mixed Day for Bangladesh’s Bowlers
While Mustafizur Rahman led the charge with an impressive spell of 3 for 20, including the key wickets of Kusal Perera and Wanindu Hasaranga, others were far less economical. Shoriful Islam leaked 49 runs without a wicket, and Nasum Ahmed went for 36 runs in his four overs.
Mahedi Hasan, however, stood out with both wickets and control, claiming 2 for 25 and removing both Kamil Mishara and Kusal Mendis, the latter after a fluent 34 off 25 balls.
Bangladesh to Chase 169 on a Sluggish Track
With a target of 169 runs, Bangladesh will now need to chase down the total on a pitch that seems to be offering some grip for slower bowlers.
The pressure of the Super Four stage, combined with Sri Lanka’s spin threat, including Wanindu Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage, could make this a tough pursuit.
The match holds critical importance in the Super Four standings, with both teams looking to start this phase with a win and gain early control in the race to the final.
Match Summary
Sri Lanka: 168/7 in 20 overs (Dasun Shanaka 64*, Mustafizur Rahman 3-20, Mahedi Hasan 2-25)
