By Himadullah Sohoo 
Bangladesh deliver under pressure
Bangladesh chased down 169 in dramatic fashion to claim a crucial four-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025.
The victory was built around Saif Hassan’s match-winning 61 off 45 balls, supported by Towhid Hridoy and Shamim Hossain, as the Tigers crossed the line with one ball to spare in Dubai.
Despite some late hiccups, Bangladesh’s structured partnerships ensured they never lost control of the chase.
Saif anchors the innings
After losing Tanzid Hasan early to Nuwan Thushara, Saif Hassan set the tone. He stitched a brisk 59-run stand with Litton Das (26) in just 34 balls. Saif then combined with Towhid Hridoy (40 off 31) to add 54 more, guiding Bangladesh safely through the middle overs.
When Hridoy took on Kamindu Mendis in the 15th over, smashing 16 runs, the game tilted firmly towards Bangladesh. His aggression relieved pressure and reduced the required run rate to a manageable level.
Shamim Hossain’s late cameo (22 off 14) kept the chase on track before some late drama briefly unsettled the Tigers. Still, Saif’s foundation proved decisive.
Shanaka’s counterpunch keeps Sri Lanka alive
Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 168/7, largely thanks to captain Dasun Shanaka’s blistering 64 not out off 37 balls. Promoted to No. 5, Shanaka hammered six sixes and three fours, lifting Sri Lanka after a sluggish middle phase.
His acceleration at the death, including a brutal assault on Nasum Ahmed in the 15th over, ensured Sri Lanka had a competitive total despite regular strikes from Bangladesh’s bowlers.
Mustafizur and Mahedi shine with the ball
Bangladesh’s bowlers were disciplined, striking at key intervals.
- Mustafizur Rahman (3/20) was outstanding at the death, dismissing Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka in the 19th over.
- Mahedi Hasan (2/25) kept things tight in the middle overs, applying pressure on Sri Lanka’s batters.
- Taskin Ahmed complemented them with clever variations, especially in the final over against a well-set Shanaka.
Brief Scores
Sri Lanka: 168/7 in 20 overs (Dasun Shanaka 64*, Kusal Perera 28; Mustafizur Rahman 3/20, Mahedi Hasan 2/25)
Bangladesh: 169/6 in 19.5 overs (Saif Hassan 61, Towhid Hridoy 40; Nuwan Thushara 1/34, Dasun Shanaka 1/29)
Result: Bangladesh won by 4 wickets (with 1 ball remaining)
Player of the Match: Saif Hassan (61 and 2 catches)