DUBAI: Bangladesh got off to a fantastic start in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup, defeating Sri Lanka by four wickets in a thrilling encounter. Chasing a target of 169 at the Dubai International Stadium, the Tigers secured the win with just one ball to spare.
The chase began on a shaky note for Bangladesh as opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim was dismissed for a duck on the team’s first run. However, Saif Hassan and Litton Das stabilized the innings, building a 50-run partnership. Litton Das departed for 23, but Saif Hassan continued his aggressive stroke play, eventually notching his maiden T20I fifty with 61 runs off 45 balls.
Following Saif’s departure, Towhid Hridoy took charge, scoring a crucial half-century after struggling in his last two matches. He fought hard for the team, but was dismissed for 58 runs when Bangladesh was just 10 runs short of victory. A tense final over saw Bangladesh lose two quick wickets, but Shamim Patwari remained unbeaten with 14 runs off 12 balls to guide his team to
a dramatic win. For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga and Dasun Shanaka picked up two wickets each.
Earlier, after losing the toss and batting first, Sri Lanka posted a challenging total of 168 for 7 in their 20 overs. Dasun Shanaka was the standout performer for the Lankans, smashing an unbeaten 64 runs off 37 balls, his second-highest individual score in T20Is. Pathum Nissanka (22 runs) and Charith Asalanka (21 runs) also contributed. For Bangladesh, Mustafizur Rahman was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets for 20 runs. Sheikh Mahedi claimed two wickets, while Taskin Ahmed took one.
