Bangladesh outclassed Sri Lanka by four wickets in the opening match of the Super 4 round of the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai. Sri Lanka posted 168/7 in 20 overs, powered by a blazing unbeaten half-century from Dasun Shanaka. In reply, Bangladesh’s batsmen built key partnerships to secure victory on a dry pitch. Saif Hassan played a vital role in all of them.

The opening stand between Saif and Litton Das produced 59 runs off just 34 balls, giving Bangladesh a fast start. After Litton’s dismissal, Saif continued to anchor the innings, adding 54 runs off 45 balls with Towhid Hridoy. This partnership steadied the innings during the middle overs.

Later, Hridoy shifted gears, partnering with Shamim Hossain for a quick 45-run stand off only 27 balls. Their aggressive batting put Bangladesh on the brink of victory.

Although Bangladesh lost a couple of wickets in the final over, they needed only five runs to win and reached the target with one ball remaining.

Sri Lanka Struggle for Breakthroughs

Sri Lanka’s bowlers found it difficult to take wickets regularly. Saif, in particular, handled the seamers well during the powerplay. By the end of the 15th over, Bangladesh were firmly in control at 129 for three, needing just 39 runs from 30 balls.

From that point, a Bangladesh win seemed inevitable as they dominated most of the chase.

Shanaka Leads Sri Lanka’s Fightback

Earlier, Sri Lanka’s innings was boosted by captain Dasun Shanaka, who was promoted to No. 5. He delivered a brilliant unbeaten 64 off 37 balls, hitting six sixes and three fours.

Shanaka’s most explosive moment came in the 15th over when he smashed Nasum Ahmed for two sixes and a four. His late surge helped Sri Lanka post a competitive total.

However, Sri Lanka’s middle order struggled. Bangladesh’s bowlers kept striking at regular intervals after the Sri Lankan openers added 44 runs for the first wicket.

Mustafizur Rahman was exceptional with figures of 3 for 20, while Mahedi Hasan supported well with 2 for 25.

Saif Neutralises Thushara Early

Nuwan Thushara gave Sri Lanka hope by removing Tanzid Hasan in the first over. Thushara has often troubled Bangladesh with early breakthroughs, but Saif Hassan countered him brilliantly.

Saif attacked Thushara’s full deliveries with confidence. In the second over, he hit a straight boundary, followed by a six over long-on. Thushara’s next two overs went for 14 runs each, with Saif doing most of the damage.

Hridoy Turns the Game Against Kamindu Mendis

Sri Lanka usually share four overs between Shanaka and a spin-bowling allrounder. Charith Asalanka, who sometimes bowls, skipped his turn and handed the 15th over to Kamindu Mendis.

This decision backfired. Hridoy immediately went on the attack, scoring 16 runs off the over. He hit a four over cover, a massive six over deep square leg, and another four through point.

At the start of the over, Bangladesh needed 55 runs off 36 balls. By the end, the equation had become much easier, swinging the match in Bangladesh's favour.

Mustafizur and Taskin Close Strongly

Bangladesh’s death bowling proved crucial. Mustafizur delivered a brilliant 19th over, removing Kamindu and Asalanka while conceding just five runs.

Taskin Ahmed followed up with excellent slower balls in the final over. Though Shanaka managed to hit him for a six and a four, Taskin bowled four dot balls that limited the damage.

These tight overs restricted Sri Lanka to 168, a target Bangladesh ultimately chased down successfully.