Bangladesh secured a four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the opening Super Fours match of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The win, which was sealed with a ball to spare, came from half-centuries by both Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy, making it Bangladesh's first successful chase of a 160-plus target in 16 attempts.
Sri Lanka, having been sent in to bat, posted a total of 168. Their innings started strong with openers Kusal Mendis (34) and Pathum Nissanka (22) putting on a 44-run partnership. However, Bangladesh’s bowlers applied pressure in the middle overs, with Mustafizur Rahman taking three wickets for 20 runs and Mahedi Hasan claiming two for 25. Dasun Shanaka, who was dropped, scored an unbeaten 64 off 37 balls, providing the necessary momentum for them to finish with a respectable total.
In response, Bangladesh anchored a series of strong partnerships; after losing Tanzid Hasan early, Saif Hassan and Litton Das (23) put on a 59-run stand. Saif went on to score 61 from 45 balls, hitting Nuwan Thushara, for a four and a six in the early overs. Following Saif's dismissal, Towhid Hridoy took charge, scoring 58 off 37 balls and forming a 54-run partnership with Saif and a 45-run stand with Shamim Hossain.
The match came down to the wire, with Bangladesh needing just five runs to win in the final over bowled by Dasun Shanaka. Shanaka, the hero with the bat for Sri Lanka, managed to create drama by taking two wickets in three balls. Jaker Ali hit a four on the first delivery but was bowled on the next, and Mahedi Hasan followed for a two-ball duck. However, a hard-run single on the penultimate delivery sealed the win for Bangladesh.
