Bangladesh began their ACC Asia Cup 2025 Super Four campaign in emphatic fashion, overcoming Sri Lanka by four wickets in a high-intensity contest at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Half-centuries from Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy provided the backbone of their chase, while Mustafizur Rahman’s brilliant bowling spell ensured Sri Lanka were kept within striking distance.
Sri Lanka Set a Competitive Total
Sri Lanka were asked to bat first after Bangladesh captain Litton Das won the toss and opted to bowl. The Lankans looked in fine touch early on, thanks to openers Pathum Nissanka (22 off 15) and Kusal Mendis (34 off 25), who stitched together a lively 44-run partnership. Their stroke play suggested a big score might be on the cards.
However, Bangladesh’s bowlers struck back to stall the innings:
- Mahedi Hasan and Taskin Ahmed removed both openers before they could push on.
- A middle-order slump left Sri Lanka at 97/4, placing the pressure squarely on their captain, Dasun Shanaka.
Shanaka responded with a captain’s knock, smashing an unbeaten 64 off 37 balls, featuring six towering sixes and three boundaries. Alongside Charith Asalanka (21 off 12), he rebuilt the innings with a rapid 57-run partnership that briefly put Bangladesh on the back foot.
But a late collapse, triggered by Mustafizur Rahman’s double strike in the 19th over and a run-out of Asalanka, meant Sri Lanka had to settle for 168/7.
- Mustafizur Rahman: 3/20 (brilliant death bowling)
- Mahedi Hasan: 2 wickets in the middle overs
- Taskin Ahmed: 1 key wicket to remove Nissanka
While Shanaka’s late fireworks made the total competitive, it was clear Sri Lanka had left at least 15–20 runs on the table.
Bangladesh’s Chase: Saif and Hridoy Shine
Chasing 169, Bangladesh were rocked early when opener Tanzid Hasan departed for a two-ball duck. But the setback proved short-lived.
Saif Hassan and Litton Das counter-attacked with intent, adding 59 runs in just over five overs. Litton’s quick-fire 23 (16 balls, 3 fours) kept the tempo high, but his dismissal to Wanindu Hasaranga left the responsibility on Saif’s shoulders.
Saif rose to the occasion. Confident against pace and spin, he played a composed yet aggressive knock of 61 off 45 balls, striking two boundaries and four sixes. His clean hitting down the ground and ability to rotate strike ensured Bangladesh stayed ahead of the asking rate.
Together with Towhid Hridoy, Saif stitched another vital 54-run stand, effectively breaking Sri Lanka’s grip on the match. Hasaranga eventually dismissed him, but the damage had already been done.
Hridoy’s Match-Winning Knock
After Saif’s dismissal, it was Towhid Hridoy’s turn to take control. The middle-order batter has been in excellent touch this year, and once again, he delivered when it mattered.
- Hridoy scored 58 off 36 balls, including five boundaries and two sixes.
- He brought up his half-century in just 31 deliveries, displaying a mix of calm singles and fearless boundary shots.
- A 45-run partnership with Shamim Hossain brought Bangladesh to the brink of victory.
Hridoy’s dismissal with only 10 runs needed caused a late hiccup. Jaker Ali and Mahedi Hasan both fell in quick succession with the scores tied, creating momentary tension. But Nasum Ahmed held his nerve, striking the winning runs with two balls left, while Shamim Hossain remained unbeaten on 14.
Sri Lanka’s Bowling Effort
Sri Lanka’s bowlers gave everything to defend a modest total, but they struggled to contain Bangladesh’s aggressive batting.
- Wanindu Hasaranga: 2/22 (best bowler, dismissed both Litton and Saif)
- Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera, and Dasun Shanaka: one wicket each
- Despite breakthroughs at crucial intervals, they lacked the sustained pressure needed to close out the match.
The spinners, in particular, failed to exploit the Dubai surface as effectively as Bangladesh’s did.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Bangladesh’s New Heroes: Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy proved that Bangladesh’s next generation of cricketers are ready to take on big responsibilities.
- Shanaka’s Lone Stand: While Shanaka’s fireworks kept Sri Lanka competitive, their middle order looked fragile without significant partnerships.
- Mustafizur’s Masterclass: The left-arm pacer once again showed why he is Bangladesh’s go-to bowler in crunch situations. His late strikes restricted Sri Lanka from reaching 180+.
- Fielding Factor: Bangladesh were sharp in the field, with Asalanka’s run-out proving a turning point.
What’s Next in the Super Four
This result throws the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage wide open:
- Bangladesh gain momentum heading into their clash with India, where they will aim to build on this confidence.
- Sri Lanka now face Pakistan in a must-win game to keep their qualification hopes alive.
- Meanwhile, India vs Pakistan, scheduled for Sunday, remains the blockbuster fixture of the round.
Conclusion
Bangladesh’s thrilling four-wicket win over Sri Lanka in Dubai showcased the perfect balance of youthful aggression and experienced composure. With Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy stepping up, and Mustafizur Rahman excelling with the ball, Bangladesh look like genuine contenders in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, must regroup quickly. Their batting remains heavily dependent on Dasun Shanaka, and unless others step up, their path to the final could become increasingly difficult. For fans, this match was a reminder of why the Asia Cup is so special unpredictable, high-octane cricket where every run and every ball counts.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025 Will Axar Patel miss the Pakistan match after head blow vs Oman?
