Saif and Hridoy Seal Dramatic Chase
Bangladesh finally broke their chasing jinx with a spirited four-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the opening Super 4 clash of the Asia Cup T20 2025 in Dubai on Saturday night. Chasing 169, they got across the line in 19.5 overs, thanks to superb half-centuries from Saif Hasan (61 off 45) and Towhid Hridoy (58 off 37).
Before the Asia Cup we played a few series and we chased down the target so we knew we have a good batting side. I know Saif has the talent to win us games. We knew he would be a good batsman in the UAE. I know his character, and know his game.
Mustafizur and Mahedi Set the Stage
Earlier, Dasun Shanaka had counterattacked with a brilliant unbeaten 64 off 38 balls, propelling Sri Lanka to 168/7. At one point they looked set for 190, but Mustafizur Rahman (3-20) and Mahedi Hasan (2-25) applied the brakes. Mustafizur’s double strike in the penultimate over, followed by four dot balls from Taskin Ahmed in the final over, restricted the target.
We know how effective Mustafizur is. It was a very good wicket. Mustafizur and Taskin changed the game with their 19th and 20th overs. It was looking at 190 at one time.
Shanaka’s Fireworks Not Enough
Sri Lanka’s innings revolved around Shanaka, who smashed six sixes and three fours in his unbeaten knock, supported briefly by Kusal Mendis (34) and Charith Asalanka (21 off 12). Their late flourish gave Sri Lanka hope, but Bangladesh’s measured chase dampened the mood.
It was a terrific game and we held our nerve but it wasn’t enough. We could have done a little better in the last two overs. We were 10-15 runs short. Dasun Shanaka batted really well and we pushed him to bat at No. 5 and he did a really good job.
Final-Over Drama
Bangladesh stumbled with two wickets in the last over, but Jaker Ali’s boundary and Nasum Ahmed’s composed single sealed the win with one ball to spare. It was sweet revenge for their six-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka in the league phase and a huge boost heading into the next Super 4 fixtures.
Whenever you chase this type of game, you are pumped up for the next one. But we have to come good again; new game, new team, we have to bring our A game.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 168/7 in 20 overs (Dasun Shanaka 64*, Kusal Mendis 34; Mustafizur Rahman 3-20, Mahedi Hasan 2-25) Bangladesh 169/6 in 19.5 overs (Saif Hasan 61, Towhid Hridoy 58; Wanindu Hasaranga 2-22, Shanaka 2-21) Bangladesh won by 4 wickets.
