Bangladesh pulled off a nervy chase in Dubai to defeat Sri Lanka by four wickets in the first Super Four clash, ending their opponents’ eight-match winning streak in the Asia Cup T20 format.
Dubai [UAE], September 21: The first Super Four battle of the Asia Cup 2025 delivered everything fans could have hoped for — runs, drama, tension, and a nail-biting finish. In a contest that went right down to the wire, Bangladesh held their nerve to chase down Sri Lanka’s 169-run target and clinched a four-wicket win in Dubai on Saturday, breaking Sri Lanka’s eight-match unbeaten streak in the tournament.
Sri Lanka, defending 168, started brightly. Nuwan Thushara knocked over Tanzid Hasan Tamim for a two-ball duck, sparking early celebrations. But Saif Hassan silenced the crowd with a fluent 61 off 45 balls, playing strokes all around the ground. His partnership with Towhid Hridoy steadied Bangladesh after the early blow. Skipper Litton Das chipped in with a brisk 23(16) before falling to Wanindu Hasaranga.
Hridoy took charge in the middle overs, smashing a half-century (58 off 37 balls), including a brutal assault on Kamindu Mendis that fetched 16 runs in one over. By the time he fell to Dushmantha Chameera in the 19th over, Bangladesh were within touching distance.
The final over, however, turned into pure theatre. With five needed off six balls, Jaker Ali struck a boundary first ball, but Dasun Shanaka struck back, cleaning him up soon after. Mahedi Hasan fell for a duck, piling pressure on the Tigers. Shamim Hossain, visibly frustrated, threw his bat in anger after a mix-up nearly cost his wicket. Finally, Nasum Ahmed calmly dabbed the ball to gully and scampered for a single, sealing the victory with just two balls left.
Earlier, Sri Lanka rode on a scintillating knock from former captain Dasun Shanaka, who smashed 64 off 37 balls with six towering sixes, guiding his side to 168/7. Pathum Nissanka (22 off 15) and Kusal Mendis (34 off 25) gave SL a solid start, but wickets in the middle overs pegged them back. Shanaka, supported by Charith Asalanka (21 off 12), unleashed a late onslaught, proving once again why he is regarded as one of T20 cricket’s deadliest finishers.
Bangladesh’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Mustafizur Rahman, Mahedi Hasan, and Taskin Ahmed among the wickets.
This victory is special for Bangladesh not just because it keeps them alive in the tournament, but because it ended Sri Lanka’s dominant Asia Cup streak and set the tone for an electrifying Super Four stage.