The first Super Four match of the Asia Cup 2025 was a thriller, as Bangladesh edged Sri Lanka by four wickets with just one ball remaining at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bowl first and restrict Sri Lanka to 168/7 in 20 overs. Mustafizur Rahman and Mehndi Hasan shine in bowling, while Towhid Hridoy and Saif Hassan shine in the batting department.
Sri Lanka Falls Short of a Par Total
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium has a historical first batting winning total of 170 runs, but Sri Lanka fell short by just two runs, finishing at 168/7.
Sent in to bat, openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis gave Sri Lanka a brisk start, putting on 44 runs in just 30 balls. Nissanka looked promising with his 22 off 15 balls before being dismissed by Taskin Ahmed. However,once Mendis got out , the innings slowed down significantly. Middle order batters Kamil Mishara and Kushal Perera failed to accelerate, consuming too many deliveries and putting Sri Lanka under pressure .
Dasun Shanaka fought brilliantly, playing like a lone warrior's knock of 64 off 37 balls, which included 6 sixes and 3 fours. He also built a crucial 57-run stand in just 27 balls with skipper Charith Asalanka, who scored a quick 21 in 12 balls. Despite their efforts, Sri Lanka managed only 15 runs in the final two overs as Mustafizur's magic restricted them from a more competitive total.
Bangladesh Bowlers Deliver in Middle and Death Overs
While Bangladesh bowlers conceded 53 runs in the powerplay, they turned the game around in the middle overs and dominated 2nd last over of the innings. In the middle overs, Mehndi Hasan held the runs with his brilliant skills and conceded only 25 runs in his spell and took 2 wickets.
The star of the innings, however, was Mustafizur Rahman, who produced a sensational over. He conceded just 5 runs and picked three wickets, including the dismissal of Sri Lankan captain Asalanka. Mustafizur finished with an exceptional figure of 3/20 in four overs, proving why he is considered one of the finest death bowlers in T-20 cricket.
Bangladesh’s Smooth Chase Ends in Nail-Biting Final Over
Bangladesh appeared to be cruising toward victory for most of the chase, but the final over brought back memories of their heartbreaking loss to India in the 2016 T-20 World Cup, as they almost threw the game away. Openers Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan came to the crease and Tanzid fell early on the fifth ball of the innings. Captain Litton Das then joined Saif, and together they built a solid 59-run partnership in just 34 balls, keeping the run rate healthy.
Litton was dismissed by Wanindu Hasrangaa, but Saif continued to dominate. Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy then took control of the game with a 54-run partnership in 45 balls, making the chase look one-sided. Saif played a brilliant knock of 61 runs in 45 balls, hitting 4 sixes and 2 fours before being dismissed, having done his job. Towhid kept Sri Lanka at bay with steady batting, but in the 19th over, he was trapped with LBW by Dushmantha Chameera, giving Sri Lanka a glimmer of hope. The final over was filled with drama, with only one run needed, Bangladesh lost 2 wickets in three balls, creating chaos in the chase. In the end, Nasum Ahmed held his nerve and took a single on the fifth delivery of the last over. However, a direct hit could get the Shamim out , potentially altering the match's result.
Sri Lanka’s Bowling Woes Continue
Sri Lanka's bowling attack struggled to maintain control, especially in the powerplay, where they conceded 59 runs. Only Wanindu Hasrangaa bowled with consistency and control, fishing with impressive figures of 2/22 in four overs.
In the final over, Dasun Shanaka picked up two wickets and created some last-minute drama, but an early boundary in his over meant Bangladesh stayed ahead.
Sri Lanka will need to revisit their bowling strategies and execute better in their upcoming Super 4 matches if they hope to stay alive in the tournament.
Bangladesh Begins Super Four with Statement Win
Bangladesh opened their Asia Cup 2025 Super Four campaign with a thrilling last-over victory against Sri Lanka. While their bowling unit, led by Mustafizur Rahman and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, showcased discipline and skill, the batting was anchored by Saif Hasan and Towhid Hridoy. For Sri Lanka, the lack of middle-order stability and inconsistent bowling were major setbacks despite Dasun Shanaka's heroic effort. As the Super 4 progresses, Bangladesh will look to build on this momentum, while Sri Lanka must quickly address their shortcomings to stay competitive in the race to the finals.