While modern cricket often celebrates audacious 360-degree hitting, Bangladesh proved that classic, clean striking remains incredibly effective. The brilliant half-centuries from Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy were a masterclass in this approach, propelling the Tigers to a thrilling four-wicket win against Sri Lanka in the opening Super Four match of the Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Saif Hassan reached his fifty in a brisk 36 balls, but his aggressive mindset was evident from the third over itself. He confidently dispatched Nuwan Thushara for a powerful four and a towering six down the ground. Later, he showcased nimble footwork to attack Dunith Wellalage’s left-arm spin, smashing two more sixes, one straight and another inside-out, demonstrating his versatile stroke play.
After Saif’s departure, Towhid Hridoy seamlessly continued the charge. He announced his arrival by welcoming Kamindu Mendis with a barrage of two fours and a massive six, executing exquisite drives, powerful pulls, and sharp cuts.
Having already played a pivotal role with a fiery fifty, Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka was once again tasked with conjuring some late-game heroics. Defending a mere four runs in the final over, Shanaka managed to create a flutter by picking up two wickets in three balls, but ultimately, his efforts weren’t enough to deny Bangladesh the win.
Earlier in the match, Sri Lanka’s innings began with explosive aggression during the PowerPlay. However, they faced a considerable slowdown in the middle overs before accelerating once more towards the end to post a respectable total on the board.
Despite a strong start, the Lankan batsmen struggled to maintain momentum, managing only 45 runs in the subsequent eight overs. It was Dasun Shanaka’s blistering 30-ball fifty that reignited their innings and pushed them towards a fighting score.
Captain Charith Asalanka contributed a valuable 21 runs off just 12 balls, adding crucial impetus to the Sri Lankan total. Yet, Mustafizur Rahman’s exceptional 19th over, where he claimed three wickets including the run-out of Asalanka, effectively curtailed Sri Lanka’s final assault.
Given the flying start provided by their openers, Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, Sri Lanka would undoubtedly feel they missed an opportunity to set an even higher target.
In a poignant moment before the game, all eyes were on Dunith Wellalage, who displayed immense courage by taking the field despite the recent loss of his father just two days prior.
Match Summary: Sri Lanka posted 168/7 in 20 overs (Kusal Mendis 34, Dasun Shanaka 64 n.o.; Mahedi Hasan 2/25, Mustafizur Rahman 3/20). Bangladesh successfully chased, reaching 169/6 in 19.5 overs (Saif Hassan 61, Towhid Hridoy 58; Wanindu Hasaranga 2/22, Dasun Shanaka 2/21). Toss: Bangladesh. Player of the Match: Saif Hassan.