Dasun Shanaka’s unbeaten 64 gave Sri Lanka hope, but brilliant fifties from Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy, supported by Mustafizur Rahman and Mahedi Hasan, powered Bangladesh to a four-wicket win in a gripping Asia Cup clash.
Sri Lanka’s unbeaten run in the Asia Cup came to an end as Bangladesh chased down 168 to secure a famous four-wicket victory in Dubai. Despite Dasun Shanaka’s unbeaten 64 that lifted Sri Lanka to a competitive total, fifties from Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy ensured Bangladesh claimed their first major scalp of the tournament.
Batting first, Sri Lanka started brightly with a 44-run opening stand from Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka. But Bangladesh struck back through Mustafizur Rahman and Mahedi Hasan, who combined for five wickets while keeping the scoring rate in check. Mustafizur’s spell of 3 for 20 was particularly impressive, his 19th over dismantling Sri Lanka’s middle order and restricting them to 168 for 7. Shanaka’s counterpunch—64 not out off 37 balls—was the standout of the innings, but he lacked support as wickets fell around him.
Bangladesh’s chase got off to a shaky start when Nuwan Thushara removed Tanzid Hasan in the opening over. However, Saif Hassan quickly took control, countering Thushara’s full-length deliveries with confident strokes down the ground. Saif’s 59-run stand with Litton Das set the tone, followed by a 54-run partnership with Hridoy that consolidated the innings. Saif’s fluent 61 anchored the top order, and though he departed with work still to be done, Bangladesh never lost momentum.
The decisive moment came in the 15th over, when Hridoy took on Kamindu Mendis. Smashing 16 runs in the over, including a towering six over square leg—Hridoy swung the game firmly in Bangladesh’s favor. His composed 58, combined with Shamim Hossain’s late cameo, carried Bangladesh to the brink of victory.
There were nervous moments in the final over as wickets tumbled, but Bangladesh needed only five runs and got there with one ball to spare. For Sri Lanka, it was a bitter defeat after Shanaka’s lone resistance and Thushara’s early breakthrough. Missed catches also hurt, with Perera and Asalanka reprieved before eventually falling cheaply.
This win puts Bangladesh firmly in contention for a Super Four berth, while Sri Lanka must regroup quickly if they are to stay alive in the tournament. For Shanaka, his brilliant innings will feel like little consolation after his bowlers failed to back him up against a determined Bangladeshi side.
