Can Shanaka's Explosive 64* Lead Sri Lanka to Triumph Against Bangladesh in Asia Cup Super 4?

Dubai, Sep 20 (NationPress) A remarkable counter-attacking half-century by Dasun Shanaka enabled Sri Lanka to bounce back from a difficult situation and post a competitive 168/7 in 20 overs against Bangladesh during the opening match of the Super 4 round of the Men's T20 Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

The match was a thrilling affair as Sri Lanka began with vigor but soon faced a setback, losing four quick wickets. It was then that Shanaka took charge, propelling them to a challenging total. The former Sri Lankan captain reached his half-century off just 30 balls, establishing a solid target for Bangladesh, especially when the average score in this tournament is around 150.

For Bangladesh, Mustafizur Rahman made a strong comeback, taking three wickets for 20 runs, two of which came in the crucial penultimate over, while Mahedi Hasan claimed 2-25 in the initial phase of the innings.

After being asked to bat first, Sri Lanka had a decent start, reaching 53/1 during the Power-play on a pitch that played slower than anticipated for its third match.

Kusal Mendis was aggressive, striking three sixes to score 34 off 25 balls, providing the former champions with a solid foundation despite losing fellow opener Pathum Nissanka for 22 from 15 balls (3x4, 1x6). Their partnership yielded 44 runs for the first wicket before Taskin Ahmed broke through, dismissing Nissanka caught by Saif Hassan in the fifth over.

Bangladesh captain Litton Das strategically introduced Mahedi Hasan, one of two changes to the playing XI, which proved beneficial as the off-spinner dismissed Kusal Mendis soon after the Power-play, leaving the score at 58/2. Mahedi Hasan struck again, removing Kamil Mishara (5), and Mustafizur Rahman got rid of Kusal Perera, who managed 16 off 16 balls, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 97/4 in the 14th over.

However, Shanaka and current captain Charith Asalanka orchestrated a recovery, stabilizing the innings to set a formidable total.

Shanaka's outstanding 64 not out off 37 balls included six sixes and three fours, helping Sri Lanka finish strongly. He forged a 57-run partnership with Asalanka (21 off 12 balls) for the fifth wicket, dominating the bowling attack.

Shanaka, who benefited from dropped catches by the Bangladesh fielders, initiated his innings with a boundary off his first ball from Mahedi Hasan in the 10th over, marking Sri Lanka's first boundary in 22 balls. He followed up with explosive shots, including back-to-back sixes off Shoriful Islam in the 18th over, and concluded his innings with a boundary and a six off Taskin Ahmed.

Despite Mustafizur Rahman (3-20) dismissing Kamindu Mendis (1) and Wanindu Hasaranga (2) in the 19th over, Shanaka's brilliant batting ensured that Sri Lanka ended with 15-20 runs more than initially expected.

Brief scores:

Sri Lanka 168/7 in 20 overs (Dasun Shanaka 64 not out; Kusal Mendis 34; Mustafizur Rahman 3-20, Mahedi Hasan 2-25) against Bangladesh.