Bangladesh faced Sri Lanka in their opening Super Four clash of the Asia Cup, held in Dubai on Saturday (September 20) at 8:30 PM (BST). After losing to the Lankans in the group stage, Shakib Al Hasan’s men had a chance for redemption.
Batting first after losing the toss, Sri Lanka scored 168 runs for 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Skipper Dasun Shanaka led from the front, remaining unbeaten on 64 runs—his second-highest T20I innings.
Sri Lanka got off to a lively start when Kusal Mendis hit a six off Shariful Islam in the opening over. However, Bangladesh quickly regained control as Taskin Ahmed dismissed opener Pathum Nissanka (22 off 15). Mendis kept scoring but fell to Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the 8th over after attempting a sweep shot, caught by Saif Hasan, for 34 off 24 balls.
Bangladesh’s bowlers kept things tight in the middle overs, but Shanaka shifted gears late in the innings with a brilliant knock of 64 off 37 balls. He was well supported by Asalanka, who added a quick 21 off 12 deliveries. Their late flourish helped Sri Lanka post a challenging total of 168.
For Bangladesh, Mustafizur Rahman was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets for just 20 runs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz grabbed 2 wickets, while Taskin Ahmed chipped in with 1.
