Bangladesh triumphed in a thrilling Asia Cup Super Fours clash against Sri Lanka, securing a four-wicket win. Key to their success were brilliant half-centuries from Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy. Sri Lanka had set a challenging target of 168 for seven, largely thanks to Dasun Shanaka’s explosive 64 runs off just 37 balls. However, Bangladesh chased down the total, reaching 169 for six in 19.5 overs.
The chase began with an early setback as Tanzid Hasan fell to Nuwan Thushara. Yet, Bangladesh quickly regained composure, with Litton Das and Saif Hassan building a vital 59-run partnership for the second wicket in a rapid 5.2 overs.
Saif Hassan was in spectacular form, smashing three sixes, two of which came against Dunith Wellalage, who had recently rejoined the team after a personal loss. Hassan brought up his fifty off 35 deliveries before Das was dismissed by Wanindu Hasaranga.
Following this, Hassan and Hridoy forged another significant partnership, adding 54 runs for the third wicket. Hridoy’s aggressive strokeplay was particularly evident in an over against Kamindu Mendis, where he scored 16 runs, significantly narrowing the gap to their target.
Hassan’s impressive innings concluded when he was caught out by Hasaranga, trying to further boost the scoring rate. Hridoy bravely carried on the chase but eventually succumbed to Dushmantha Chameera in the dying stages of the match.
Despite a few nail-biting moments and losing two wickets in the final over, Bangladesh held their nerve to successfully cross the finish line and clinch the win.
Earlier in the match, Sri Lanka’s innings got off to a powerful start. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis quickly amassed 44 runs within the first five overs. Nissanka’s contribution was a swift 22 runs off 15 balls, while Mendis added an attacking 34 from 25 deliveries.
However, the momentum shifted after Nissanka was caught by Saif Hassan off Taskin Ahmed’s bowling. Kusal Mendis soon followed suit, also caught by Hassan, this time off Mahedi Hasan’s delivery.
Kamil Mishara and Kusal Perera then faced difficulties in accelerating the scoring, leading to a prolonged period of nearly five overs without a boundary for Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh’s bowlers, especially Mahedi and Mustafizur Rahman, exerted tight control with their varied deliveries. Rahman was the standout performer, claiming three wickets for just 20 runs.
Mishara and Perera both fell in quick succession, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 97 for four after 13.4 overs. Mishara was bowled trying a reverse lap against Mahedi, and Perera edged one to wicketkeeper Litton Das off Rahman’s bowling.
Dasun Shanaka then, alongside Charith Asalanka (21), brought much-needed stability with a crucial 57-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Shanaka took a particular liking to Nasum, dispatching him for two sixes and a four in a single over.
The partnership concluded with Asalanka’s run-out, but Shanaka ensured a strong finish, smashing a four and a six off Taskin in the last over, propelling Sri Lanka to a respectable total.