Bangladesh held their composure to the end to overcome Sri Lanka by four wickets in Dubai on Saturday (September 20), marking a successful start to their Super Four campaign in the Asia Cup 2025. The chase, led by Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy, saw them surpass Sri Lanka’s 168/7 with just one ball remaining.
Bangladesh bowlers got up wickets at crucial stages after deciding to field first. Pathum Nissanka (22 off 15) and Kusal Mendis (34 off 25) gave his team a terrific start, but Mahedi Hasan’s twin strikes brought them back. Dasun Shanaka stood out for Sri Lanka, scoring 64* from 37 balls. He received backing from Charith Asalanka (21 off 12), and the two of them helped Sri Lanka surpass 150.
Meanwhile, Mustafizur Rahman finished with a score of 3/20. Mahedi contributed 2/25, and Taskin Ahmed dismissed the dangerous Nissanka. Shoriful Islam had a dismal performance, conceding 49 runs in four overs. Sri Lanka eventually scored 168/7.
Bangladesh lost Tanzid Hasan in the first over to Nuwan Thushara, but Saif Hassan counter-attacked to keep his team in contention. He hammered 61 off 45 balls, taking on Thushara and Wellalag to ensure Bangladesh maximised their powerplay. Litton Das (23 off 16) complemented him brilliantly, as the two combined for a 59-run stand.
Following Litton’s dismissal to Hasaranga, Towhid Hridoy assumed control. Hridoy’s 58 off 37 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes, helped the side win the game.
Despite being in charge for the majority of the chase, Bangladesh nearly faltered in the conclusion. Dasun Shanaka removed Hridoy and Mahedi Hasan in the last over. Jaker Ali’s cameo (9 off 4) and Shamim Hossain’s cameo (14* off 12) were the difference. With one run needed off two balls, Nasum Ahmed took a dangerous single to backward point, and a missed direct hit secured Bangladesh’s victory.
Who Said What?
Saif Hassan, Player of the Match
The wicket was very good and I tried to time my shots. Litton was helping me and it was easy batting with him. He was supporting a lot, he was telling what the next ball would be. Very happy to contribute. The preparation was good, we had a good plan against their bowlers and that worked.
Litton Das, Bangladesh (Winning Captain)
Before the Asia Cup, we chased quite comfortably. We know how dangerous Mustafizur is. Mustafizur and Taskin, the last two overs, they changed the game. It looked like 190 and they kept it down. Taskin bowled a really good (final) over. I know Saif can win games for Bangladesh. We all knew he’s going to be a good player in UAE. We have to come again, new venue, new team and we have to play our A game.
Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka (Losing Captain)
It was a terrific game. We held our nerves till the end but it wasn’t enough. Pleased about our batting a little bit, we could have done better in the last 2 overs. We were 10-15 runs short. Dasun Shanaka batted really well batting at five. He hit a big six and the dressing room was happy with the score almost 170.
India
