Bangladesh’s Super Four campaign in the Asia Cup 2025 got off to a victorious start on Saturday, September 20, as they defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets in Dubai, maintaining composure throughout.
With just one ball remaining, they overtook Sri Lanka’s 168/7 thanks to the chase, which was led by Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy.
The bowlers from Bangladesh chose to field first and took wickets at crucial times. Kusal Mendis (34 off 25) and Pathum Nissanka (22 off 15) gave his team a strong start, but Mahedi Hasan’s dual goals pulled them back. Dasun Shanaka, who scored 64* off 37 balls, was Sri Lanka’s best player. With the help of Charith Asalanka (21 off 12), he was able to take Sri Lanka over 150.
Mustafizur Rahman, meanwhile, finished with 3/20. While Taskin Ahmed dismissed the dangerous Nissanka, Mahedi contributed 2/25. With 49 runs lost in his four overs, Shoriful Islam’s performance was forgettable. In the end, Sri Lanka scored 168/7.
Saif Hassan counterattacked to put his team in the hunt after Bangladesh lost Tanzid Hasan to Nuwan Thushara in the opening over. Taking on Thushara and Wellalag, he made sure Bangladesh made the most of the powerplay by smashing 61 off 45 balls. He was well-complemented by Litton Das (23 off 16), who helped the two of them construct a 59-run stand.
Following Litton’s dismissal to Hasaranga, Towhid Hridoy assumed leadership. The side won the match because to Hridoy’s 58 off 37 balls, which included two sixes and four boundaries.
Bangladesh almost faltered at the end, even though they had the upper hand for the majority of the chase. In the last over, Dasun Shanaka got rid of Mahedi Hasan and Hridoy. The difference was created by the cameos of Shamim Hossain (14* off 12) and Jaker Ali (9 off 4). Nasum Ahmed took a dangerous single to backward point with one run needed off two balls, and Bangladesh won thanks to a failed direct shot.
Who Made What Remark?
Saif Hassan, the match’s MVP
I tried to time my shots, and the wicket was excellent. I had Litton’s assistance, and batting with him was simple. He was providing a lot of help and predicting the following ball. I’m delighted to help. We were well-prepared, and our strategy against their bowlers worked.
Bangladesh’s Litton Das (winning captain)
We chased rather easily before to the Asia Cup. We are aware of Mustafizur’s dangers. The game was altered by Mustafizur and Taskin in the final two overs. They kept it down, and it appeared to be 190. Taskin bowled a fantastic (last) over. Saif can win games for Bangladesh, I’m sure of it. He will be a good player in the United Arab Emirates, as we all knew. We must return, this time with a new crew and a new location, and we must give it our all.
Charith Asalanka (Losing Captain), Sri Lanka
It was a fantastic match. Even if we remained composed till the very end, it wasn’t enough. Although we should have performed better in the final two overs, we are quite pleased with our batting. We were short by ten to fifteen runs. Dasun Shanaka was an excellent batsman at number five. The dressing room was pleased with the score of nearly 170 after he nailed a massive six.
India
