Bangladesh pulled off a stunning win against Sri Lanka in the opening Super Fours match of the Asia Cup, sealing victory by four wickets in Dubai on Saturday.
Half centuries from Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy powered Bangladesh to one of their most memorable T20 chases, finishing on 169-6 with just one ball left. It was their third highest successful run chase in T20 internationals, and the first time they have chased more than 160 in 16 attempts.
Sri Lanka, unbeaten until this point, posted 168-7 thanks to a brilliant unbeaten 64 from Dasun Shanaka, who hammered six sixes in his 37 ball knock. But his effort wasn’t enough to stop Bangladesh.
Bangladesh fight back after shaky start
Tanzid Hasan fell for a duck early, but skipper Litton Das and Hassan steadied the innings with a 59 run stand. Hassan then launched a counterattack, smashing 61 off 45 balls, with two fours and four sixes.
Hridoy kept the chase alive with a composed 58 from 37 balls, guiding his side deep into the match. When he fell in the 19th over to Dushmantha Chameera, Sri Lanka sensed a late chance.
The final over was filled with drama. With five needed off six balls, Jaker Ali cracked a boundary first ball but was bowled the very next delivery. Shanaka then removed Mahedi Hasan for a duck, leaving the game on edge. But Shamim Hossain (14 not out) and Nasum Ahmed held their nerve, sprinting hard between the wickets to secure the win.
Sri Lanka lose momentum despite Shanaka’s heroics
Earlier, Sri Lanka looked strong after an opening stand from Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. But Bangladesh struck back, reducing them to 65-3 by the 10th over. Shanaka countered with a captain’s knock, blasting 50 off 30 balls before building a crucial 57-run stand with Charith Asalanka.
However, a run out and late wickets from Mustafizur Rahman dented Sri Lanka’s charge, leaving them short of what could have been a bigger total.
What’s next in the Asia Cup Super Fours?
This win gives Bangladesh early momentum in the Super Fours stage, while Sri Lanka face a setback after their unbeaten run. The next big clash comes on Sunday, with India vs Pakistan, in what will be their second meeting in the tournament after the heated group stage match.
