Bangladesh secured a nervy four-wicket win over Sri Lanka, beginning their Super 4 campaign of Asia Cup 2025 brightly on September 20, Saturday at the Dubai International Stadium. Fifties from Saif Hasan and Towhid Hridoy helped the Tigers cross the line, despite Sri Lanka finishing on the receiving end, with Dasun Shanaka taking two wickets in the final over.
The toss fell in favour of Bangladesh skipper Litton Das, who opted to chase in Dubai, given the venue’s tendency to favour sides batting second. Although Sri Lanka began their innings in promising fashion, they soon found themselves in trouble, slipping to 65/3 in the 10th over. After stumbling to 97/4, Shanaka and captain Charith Asalanka shared a crucial 57-run partnership.
With Shanaka’s pyrotechnics, the Island nation crossed past 150 and looked well on course for a score exceeding 170. However, Bangladesh’s wily seamer Mustafizur Rahman bowled a sensational 19th over, dismissing Kamindu Mendis (1) and Wanindu Hasaranga (2), finishing with impressive figures of 4-0-20-3. Shanaka sealed the innings with a maximum, taking Sri Lanka to a total of 168.
Nuwan Thushara strikes early but Bangladesh race off the blocks
Sri Lanka’s new-ball bowler Nuwan Thushara, who was outstanding against Afghanistan with four wickets, struck early by dismantling Tanzid Hasan’s stumps in the opening over. Despite this early setback, the Tigers played an attacking brand of cricket, with skipper Litton Das leading the charge. He stitched a brisk 59-run stand with Saif Hassan.
Bangladesh then witnessed another solid 54-run partnership between Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy before Hassan was dismissed for 61 off 45 deliveries. After Hassan’s departure in the 14th over, Hridoy went hammer and tongs against Mendis in the following over, firmly swinging the match in Bangladesh’s favour.
The match boiled down to five runs needed off the final over. Though Bangladesh lost two wickets in the process, they managed to secure the victory with one ball to spare.
This thrilling encounter sets the tone for Bangladesh’s Super 4 campaign as they look to build momentum in the Asia Cup 2025.
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