Bangladesh secured a thrilling four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the opening Super Four match of Asia Cup 2025, chasing down a target of 169 runs with just one ball to spare at Dubai International Stadium on Saturday. The victory marked Bangladesh's first win against Sri Lanka in this tournament, avenging their earlier group-stage defeat.
Emotional Tribute Precedes Action
The match began with a touching tribute as Sri Lankan players wore black armbands and observed a minute's silence to honor the late father of spin all-rounder Dunith Wellalage. Wellalage's father, Suranga Wellalage, passed away on September 18 during Sri Lanka's match against Afghanistan. The 21-year-old courageously returned from his father's funeral to feature in the Super Four clash.
Sri Lanka Post Competitive Total Despite Fielding Lapses
After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Bangladesh struggled with their fielding as they dropped four crucial catches throughout Sri Lanka's innings. The dropped catches proved costly as former captain Dasun Shanaka capitalized with a blistering unbeaten 64 off just 37 balls, featuring six sixes and three fours. His knock, combined with contributions from Pathum Nissanka (22) and Kusal Mendis (34), helped Sri Lanka reach 168/7 in 20 overs.
Mustafizur's Brilliant Bowling Performance
Bangladesh's left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman delivered a match-winning spell, claiming three wickets in a single over during the 19th over of Sri Lanka's innings. Rahman dismissed Charith Asalanka (run out), Kamindu Mendis (caught behind), and Wanindu Hasaranga (caught) while conceding just five runs in the over. His overall figures of 3/20 in four overs made him Bangladesh's joint-highest T20I wicket-taker alongside Shakib Al Hasan with 149 wickets.
Bangladesh's Chase Built on Solid Partnerships
Chasing 169, Bangladesh's victory was anchored by half-centuries from Saif Hassan (61 off 45 balls) and Towhid Hridoy (58 off 37 balls). Hassan provided an explosive start with four sixes and two fours, while Hridoy contributed a crucial 97-meter six off Dunith Wellalage's bowling. Captain Litton Das also made a significant contribution with 23 runs off 16 balls, during which he became Bangladesh's highest T20I run-scorer with 2,556 runs, surpassing Shakib Al Hasan's record of 2,551 runs.
Record-Breaking Achievements
The match witnessed several milestone moments, with Towhid Hridoy completing 1,000 T20I runs for Bangladesh during his innings. Litton Das's achievement of becoming Bangladesh's leading T20I run-scorer came in his 114th match, compared to Shakib's 129 matches. Meanwhile, Mustafizur Rahman's three-wicket haul elevated him to joint-highest wicket-taker status for Bangladesh in T20Is.
The victory keeps Bangladesh's Asia Cup hopes alive as they advance in the Super Four stage, while Sri Lanka suffered their first defeat of the tournament. Bangladesh will next face India, while Sri Lanka takes on Pakistan in their upcoming Super Four fixtures.
.jpg)
2.jpg)
.jpg)
