Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka in a nail-biting contest in the first Super Four match of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Sri Lanka, batting first after losing the toss, set a target of 169 runs. They posted 168/7 in their 20 overs.
Dasun Shanaka starred with an unbeaten 64 off 37 balls, while Kusal Mendis contributed 34. Opener Pathum Nissanka made 22 before being dismissed by Taskin Ahmed, while Kusal Perera (16) and Kamindu Mendis (5) failed to make an impact.
For Bangladesh, Mustafizur Rahman was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets for just 19 runs. Mehidy Hasan bagged two, while Taskin Ahmed chipped in with one wicket.
With this victory, Bangladesh began their Super Four campaign on a high note. The next clash of the stage will be the highly anticipated Pakistan vs India encounter, scheduled for September 21 in Dubai.
Bangladesh stun Sri Lanka in Asia Cup Super Four thriller
All-rounder Dasun Shanaka’s explosive half-century guided Sri Lanka to a competitive total against Bangladesh in the opening Super Four match of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Asked to bat first, the defending champions posted 168/7 in 20 overs.
Sri Lanka began aggressively, with openers Pathum Nissanka and the in-form Kusal Mendis putting on 44 runs inside the first five overs.
However, Bangladesh struck back as Taskin Ahmed removed Nissanka on the last ball of the fifth over. Nissanka contributed 22 off 15 balls, hitting three fours and a six.
The dismissal triggered a mini-collapse, with Sri Lanka slipping to 97/4 by the 14th over. Kusal Mendis still managed to make an impact, scoring 34 off 25 deliveries with three sixes and a four.
Just when Bangladesh looked in control, Shanaka and skipper Charith Asalanka revived Sri Lanka’s innings. The pair added a rapid 57 runs for the fifth wicket off only 27 balls.
Asalanka’s cameo ended in the 19th over when he was run out for 21 off 12, including a six and a four.
Mustafizur Rahman tightened things up in the same over, dismissing Kamindu Mendis (1) and Wanindu Hasaranga (2). But Shanaka remained composed, blasting an unbeaten 64 off 37 balls, featuring six towering sixes and three boundaries, to push his team to a strong finish.
For Bangladesh, Rahman was the standout bowler, claiming 3/20 in four overs. Mahedi Hasan picked up two wickets, while Taskin Ahmed finished with one.
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