Asia Cup 2025: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Match 13 - Who Said What?

Published - 20 Sept 2025, 23:47 IST | Updated - 21 Sept 2025, 00:00 IST

Bangladesh held their nerve till the end to defeat Sri Lanka by four wickets in Dubai on Saturday (September 20), making it a winning start to their Super Four campaign in the Asia Cup 2025. The chase, anchored by Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy, helped them overhaul Sri Lanka’s 168/7 with just one ball to spare.

Opting to field first, Bangladesh bowlers picked wickets at important moments. Pathum Nissanka (22 off 15) and Kusal Mendis (34 off 25) gave their side a good start, but Mahedi Hasan’s twin strikes got them back. The standout for Sri Lanka was Dasun Shanaka, who played an innings of 64* off 37 balls. He found support from Charith Asalanka (21 off 12), and together they pushed Sri Lanka past 150.

Meanwhile, Mustafizur Rahman finished with figures of 3/20. Mahedi chipped in with 2/25, while Taskin Ahmed dismissed the dangerous Nissanka. Shoriful Islam had a forgettable outing, leaking 49 runs in his four overs. Sri Lanka eventually posted 168/7.

Bangladesh lost Tanzid Hasan in the very first over to Nuwan Thushara, but Saif Hassan counter-attacked to get his team in the hunt. He smashed 61 off 45 balls, taking on Thushara and Wellalag, and ensured Bangladesh maximized the powerplay. Litton Das (23 off 16) complemented him well, as the duo stitched a 59-run stand.

After Litton’s dismissal to Hasaranga, Towhid Hridoy took on the responsibility. Hridoy’s 58 off 37 balls, laced with four boundaries and two sixes, helped the team seal the game.

Despite being in control for most of the chase, Bangladesh nearly stumbled at the end. Dasun Shanaka dismissed Hridoy and Mahedi Hasan in the final over. Jaker Ali’s cameo (9 off 4) and Shamim Hossain’s cameo (14* off 12) made the difference. With one run needed off two balls, Nasum Ahmed took a risky single to backward point, and a missed direct hit allowed Bangladesh to clinch victory.

The wicket was very good and I tried to time my shots. Litton was helping me and it was easy batting with him. He was supporting a lot, he was telling what the next ball would be. Very happy to contribute. The preparation was good, we had a good plan against their bowlers and that worked.

Before the Asia Cup, we chased quite comfortably. We know how dangerous Mustafizur is. Mustafizur and Taskin, the last two overs, they changed the game. It looked like 190 and they kept it down. Taskin bowled a really good (final) over. I know Saif can win games for Bangladesh. We all knew he's going to be a good player in UAE. We have to come again, new venue, new team and we have to play our A game.

It was a terrific game. We held our nerves till the end but it wasn't enough. Pleased about our batting a little bit, we could have done better in the last 2 overs. We were 10-15 runs short. Dasun Shanaka batted really well batting at five. He hit a big six and the dressing room was happy with the score almost 170.