Tuesday, 07 October, 2025
A composed 61 from Saif Hassan, a fluent 58 by Towhid Hridoy, and a superb 3–20 spell from Mustafizur Rahman powered Bangladesh to a tense four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup Super Four opener in Dubai.
Having opted to bowl first, Bangladesh applied pressure at crucial stages. Mustafizur’s trademark variations in the death overs, coupled with Mahedi Hasan’s disciplined 2–25, kept the Sri Lankan batters largely in check.
Skipper Dasun Shanaka, however, launched a spirited counterattack, smashing 64 off just 37 balls — studded with three boundaries and six towering sixes — to lift Sri Lanka to 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 briefly rattled the Tigers, and Dasun Shanaka’s double strike in the final over threatened late drama. But Bangladesh held their composure, sealing victory with a ball to spare and pocketing two crucial points.
Earlier, Mustafizur Rahman produced a masterclass in control and variation, dismantling Sri Lanka’s momentum. His early breakthrough set the tone, and his pinpoint death bowling choked the innings in its final stretch. He was ably supported by disciplined spells that ensured regular breakthroughs and prevented any sustained partnerships.
Sri Lanka’s innings revolved around Shanaka’s explosive 64, with useful contributions from Kusal Mendis (34) and Pathum Nissanka (22). The openers gave the side a steady 44-run start, but Bangladesh hit back through Mahedi Hasan, who removed both Kusal and Kamil Mishara to stall their progress.
Despite Shanaka’s late fireworks, Bangladesh’s disciplined attack kept the target within striking distance, setting up a tense but ultimately successful chase.
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A composed 61 from Saif Hassan, a fluent 58 by Towhid Hridoy, and a superb 3–20 spell from Mustafizur Rahman powered Bangladesh to a tense four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup Super Four opener in Dubai.
Having opted to bowl first, Bangladesh applied pressure at crucial stages. Mustafizur’s trademark variations in the death overs, coupled with Mahedi Hasan’s disciplined 2–25, kept the Sri Lankan batters largely in check.
Skipper Dasun Shanaka, however, launched a spirited counterattack, smashing 64 off just 37 balls — studded with three boundaries and six towering sixes — to lift Sri Lanka to 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 briefly rattled the Tigers, and Dasun Shanaka’s double strike in the final over threatened late drama. But Bangladesh held their composure, sealing victory with a ball to spare and pocketing two crucial points.
Earlier, Mustafizur Rahman produced a masterclass in control and variation, dismantling Sri Lanka’s momentum. His early breakthrough set the tone, and his pinpoint death bowling choked the innings in its final stretch. He was ably supported by disciplined spells that ensured regular breakthroughs and prevented any sustained partnerships.
Sri Lanka’s innings revolved around Shanaka’s explosive 64, with useful contributions from Kusal Mendis (34) and Pathum Nissanka (22). The openers gave the side a steady 44-run start, but Bangladesh hit back through Mahedi Hasan, who removed both Kusal and Kamil Mishara to stall their progress.
Despite Shanaka’s late fireworks, Bangladesh’s disciplined attack kept the target within striking distance, setting up a tense but ultimately successful chase.
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