Bangladesh stunned Sri Lanka with a clinical chase in Dubai, handing the defending champions their first Asia Cup 2025 defeat. Despite Dasun Shanaka’s unbeaten 64, Sri Lanka’s 168-run total wasn’t enough on a dry pitch built for stroke play.
Bangladesh 169 for 6 (Saif 61, Hridoy 58, Shanaka 2-21) beat Sri Lanka 168 for 7 (Shanaka 64*, Mustafizur 3-20, Mahedi 2-25) by four wickets
Bangladesh’s Top-Order Masterclass
Bangladesh’s win came from three key partnerships.
- Saif Hassan and Litton Das added 59 off 34 balls to set the platform.
- Saif then teamed up with Towhid Hridoy for 54 off 45 balls to steady the middle overs.
- Hridoy and Shamim Hossain accelerated with 45 off 27 balls, bringing Bangladesh to the brink of victory.
Even with a few late hiccups, Bangladesh needed only five runs from the final over. They crossed the line with one ball to spare.
Sri Lanka Struggle for Wickets
Sri Lanka’s bowlers failed to break partnerships. Saif dominated the powerplay, especially against Nuwan Thushara, neutralizing his trademark swing. By the 15th over, Bangladesh needed just 39 runs with seven wickets in hand — an almost unassailable position.
Shanaka’s Standout Knock
Promoted to No. 5, Dasun Shanaka smashed 64 off 37 balls*, hitting six sixes and three fours. His late surge lifted Sri Lanka to 168.
But Bangladesh’s bowlers — Mustafizur Rahman (3/20) and Mahedi Hasan (2/25) — kept Sri Lanka from going past 180 on a good batting pitch.
Hridoy Turns the Game
Hridoy’s assault on Kamindu Mendis in the 15th over proved decisive. He hammered 16 runs with two boundaries and a six, slashing Bangladesh’s required rate. From needing 55 off 36, Bangladesh reduced it to a stroll.
Bangladesh’s Death-Bowling Edge
Mustafizur and Taskin Ahmed closed out Sri Lanka’s innings brilliantly. Mustafizur dismissed Kamindu and Asalanka in the 19th over for just five runs. Taskin then mixed his slower balls perfectly, conceding only 10 despite Shanaka’s onslaught.
Key Takeaways
- Bangladesh’s batting depth clicked under pressure.
- Sri Lanka’s bowling lacked penetration, especially in middle overs.
- Shanaka’s innings was the lone bright spot for Sri Lanka.
- Mustafizur’s death overs changed the game.
Bangladesh’s victory reshapes the Asia Cup Super Fours standings, proving that their young batting core and senior pacers can handle pressure in crunch games.
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