Bangladesh opened their Super Four campaign in Asia Cup 2025 with a dramatic four-wicket win over Sri Lanka, chasing down 169 with one ball to spare in Dubai. The match was a roller-coaster, defined by composed batting, smart bowling, and nerve-juggling moments right till the end.
Sri Lanka batted first and posted 168/7 in their 20 overs. After a promising start, they slumped to 65/3 by around the ninth over, losing early momentum. The rescue came from Dasun Shanaka, who smashed an unbeaten 64 off 37 balls. His innings, filled with big hits and steady aggression, revived Sri Lanka’s innings. He found support in Kusal Mendis, who made 34, and others who chipped in to stabilize after the early collapse. However, Sri Lanka couldn’t capitalize on a stronger finish — tight bowling in the death overs and dropped chances hurt them.
In reply, Bangladesh got off to a steady start in the powerplay, thanks largely to a fiery knock from Saif Hassan. He scored 61 off 45 balls, launching aggressively against Sri Lanka’s new ball bowlers, with four sixes and two boundaries. His knock put Bangladesh in a strong position and eased pressure early on.
Then came Towhid Hridoy, who followed Hassan’s lead with a sharp 58 off 37 balls. Hridoy’s innings was crucial in keeping the chase moving, rotating strike well and punishing loose bowling, especially in the middle and death overs. Together, Hassan and Hridoy built the backbone of the chase, putting Sri Lanka on the back foot.
As the finish drew near, it turned tense. With only 10 runs needed off the final over, Bangladesh’s tail was exposed slightly, and Sri Lanka’s captain Dasun Shanaka struck back, taking two wickets in that last over to keep the match alive. But Bangladesh held their nerve—Nasum Ahmed, the tail-ender, scampered a cheeky single off the penultimate ball to seal the win.
From Sri Lanka’s perspective, Shanaka’s 64 was superb, but the early collapse proved costly. Opportunities to take more wickets early in Bangladesh’s chase, especially in the powerplay, were missed. Fielding drops didn’t help either, and Sri Lanka’s bowlers in the final overs, though fighting hard, couldn’t choke the chase down when it mattered.
For Bangladesh, this win is massive. It marks a statement that they are serious contenders — they have the batting firepower, they can pace a chase, and they can handle pressure. Hassan’s aggressive start paired with Hridoy’s composure in the later stages delivered a balanced chase. The team showed that they can mix aggression with calmness, which is essential in big moments.
The result also has big implications for the Super Four standings. Bangladesh have not just taken points but also boosted their net run rate with a nervy but successful chase. Confidence will be high. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will reflect on what slipped in the final overs, and how small moments and pressure scenarios cost them.
All in all, Bangladesh’s win over Sri Lanka was a thriller that sets the tone for the Super Four: close contests, pressure situations, and match-winners stepping up when needed. Bangladesh may have stunned Sri Lanka, but they also reminded everyone that this Asia Cup isn’t over yet and they belong in the conversation for the final.
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