Bangladesh pulled off a thrilling chase to defeat Sri Lanka in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Chasing a target of 169, the Tigers crossed the finish line with just one ball to spare, winning by four wickets.
Opening batter Saif Hassan anchored the innings with a classy 61 off 45 balls, striking four boundaries and two sixes, while Towhid Hridoy added fireworks in the middle order with a 37-ball 58 that included four fours and two sixes. The pair stitched together a vital 54-run stand for the third wicket, steadying the chase after early jitters.
Skipper Litton Das chipped in with 23, while Shamim Hossain’s unbeaten 14 ensured Bangladesh held their nerve despite late drama.
Bangladesh appeared in complete control until the final over, but Dasun Shanaka turned the game on its head with two quick wickets. However, the Tigers held firm and sealed victory off the penultimate delivery, sparking celebrations in the dugout.
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For Sri Lanka, Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga took two wickets each, while Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara claimed one apiece.
Batting first, Sri Lanka managed 168/7 in 20 overs after being put in by Bangladesh. Pathum Nissanka (22) and Kusal Mendis (34) gave a quick start, but a middle-order collapse left the defending champions struggling at 97/4 in the 14th over.
Captain Charith Asalanka (21) joined forces with Shanaka for a blistering 57-run partnership off just 27 balls. Shanaka remained unbeaten on 64 off 37 deliveries, hammering six sixes and three fours to push his side to a competitive total.
Mustafizur Rahman was outstanding with the ball, taking 3/20, while Mahedi Hasan grabbed two wickets and Taskin Ahmed added one.
The victory has boosted Bangladesh’s confidence in the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka rivalry, showing their ability to hold their nerve in crunch situations. For Sri Lanka, Shanaka’s heroics went in vain as their bowlers couldn’t defend the total in the final overs.
