Dubai September 20 (Sports Desk)
Bangladesh kicked off their Super 4 campaign in the Asia Cup 2025 with a dramatic 4-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, ending the hosts’ unbeaten streak in the tournament. Chasing 169, Bangladesh reached the target in 19.5 overs, thanks to half-centuries from opener Saif Hassan (61) and Towhid Hridoy (58). Dasun Shanaka’s unbeaten 64 powered Sri Lanka to 168/7, but Mustafizur Rahman’s 3/20 and Mahedi Hasan’s 2/25 restricted them. This win marks Bangladesh’s third victory in their last four T20Is against Sri Lanka and their second successful chase of 160+ in recent times.
Match Summary
Sri Lanka batted first after losing the toss, struggling against Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling. Shanaka’s late flourish (64* off 37) helped them post 168/7. Mustafizur and Mahedi Hasan dismantled the middle order, with Kusal Mendis (34) being the only other notable contributor.
In the chase, Bangladesh lost early wickets but Saif and Hridoy’s 100+ partnership steadied the innings. Despite a late collapse, Shamim Hossain (14*) and Nasum Ahmed (1*) saw them home. Wanindu Hasaranga (2/22) and Shanaka (2/21) posed threats, but Bangladesh held their nerve.
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Scorecard
Sri Lanka Innings: 168/7 (20 overs)
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Dasun Shanaka: 64* (37 balls, 4×4, 5×6)
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Kusal Mendis: 34 (25 balls, 3×4)
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Bangladesh Bowling: Mustafizur Rahman 3/20 (4 overs), Mahedi Hasan 2/25 (4 overs), Taskin Ahmed 1/28 (4 overs)
Bangladesh Innings (Target: 169): 169/6 (19.5 overs)
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Saif Hassan: 61 (42 balls, 5×4, 2×6)
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Towhid Hridoy: 58 (35 balls, 6×4, 2×6)
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Shamim Hossain: 14* (6 balls, 2×4)
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Sri Lanka Bowling: Wanindu Hasaranga 2/22 (4 overs), Dasun Shanaka 2/21 (3 overs), Maheesh Theekshana 1/32 (4 overs)
Key Performances
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Saif Hassan (BAN): Anchored the chase with a composed 61, including a crucial 100+ partnership with Hridoy.
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Towhid Hridoy (BAN): Aggressive 58 with six fours and two sixes, accelerating the scoring rate.
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Dasun Shanaka (SL): Unbeaten 64 with five sixes, lifting Sri Lanka from 93/5 to a defendable total.
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Mustafizur Rahman (BAN): Player of the Match with 3/20, breaking Sri Lanka’s middle order.
Highlights
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Bangladesh’s chase featured a tense finish, with 19 needed off the last over, but Shamim’s boundaries sealed the win.
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Sri Lanka’s 8-match T20 Asia Cup winning streak ended; Bangladesh’s third win in four recent T20Is against them.
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Highest successful chase by Bangladesh in T20Is: 215 vs SL (2018), but this 169 chase is their second in 160+ targets recently.
Bangladesh now eyes a spot in the final with this morale-boosting win, while Sri Lanka must regroup for their next Super 4 clash.
