Asia Cup 2025 : Saif, Hridoy shine as Bangladesh crashes Sri Lanka by 4 wkts

Bangladesh commenced their Asia Cup Super Four campaign on a high note, defeating Sri Lanka by four wickets at Dubai International Stadium on Saturday.

The victory was largely due to outstanding half-centuries from Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy, who steered the Tigers’ successful chase.

Chasing a target of 169, Bangladesh’s innings got off to a shaky start when Tanzid Hasan was bowled by Thushara for a duck on the fifth ball of the innings.

Liton Das and Saif Hassan then built a steady partnership, adding 59 runs before Hasaranga struck. A floated legbreak on the stumps saw Liton (23 off 16) attempt a sweep, only to find Nissanka at deep backward square leg, making it 60-2.

Saif Hassan continued his aggressive innings, scoring a brisk 61 off 45 balls. His knock was eventually ended by a big top-edge off a Hasaranga delivery, which was caught by Wellalage at short third, leaving Bangladesh at 114-3.

However, Towhid Hridoy played a masterful innings of 58 off just 37 deliveries. He looked set to finish the game but was dismissed in a dramatic fashion. A thigh-high full toss from Chameera on the 18.3 over caught him lbw right in front.

Hridoy, in disbelief, reviewed the decision, but replays confirmed the ball would have hit the leg stump. His dismissal left Bangladesh at 159-4.

With the game in the balance, Shamim Hossain (14* off 12) and Jaker Ali stepped up. Jaker Ali was bowled by Shanaka for 9 on the second ball of the 20th over and drama started from here.

Mahedi Hasan was caught by the keeper off the same bowler two balls later, which reminded the match against India in the 2018 Asia Cup. However, Nasum Ahmed held his nerve and took a single to see the team on the bank of the victory.