Can Hossain and Ali's Record Sixth-Wicket Stand Propel Bangladesh to Victory?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shamim Hossain and Jaker Ali displayed resilience with a record sixth-wicket partnership.
- Bangladesh recovered from a dire 53 for 5 to post a competitive total.
- Sri Lanka's bowlers dominated early, showcasing impressive skills.
- The match highlights the unpredictability of T20 cricket.
- Bangladesh's bowlers will have a target to defend thanks to the batting recovery.
Abu Dhabi, Sep 13 (NationPress) Shamim Hossain (42 not out) and Jaker Ali (41 not out) were the standout performers as Bangladesh staged a remarkable comeback to post 139/5 in 20 overs against Sri Lanka during the fifth match of Group B of the Asia Cup at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.
An impressive and unbeaten 86-run partnership for the sixth wicket between Shamim Hossain and Jaker Ali provided the Tigers with a competitive total after they found themselves in a precarious position at 53 for 5.
After being put in to bat, Bangladesh experienced a nightmarish start. Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera were exceptional with the new ball, dismissing both openers without any runs on the scoreboard.
Thushara clean bowled Tanzid Hasan Tamim with a stunning delivery, and Chameera followed suit by having Parvez Hossain Emon caught behind in the very next over. Remarkably, Sri Lanka commenced their innings with consecutive wicket-maiden overs, leaving Bangladesh in shock.
The situation worsened when Towhid Hridoy, who had previously been let off, was run out spectacularly by Kamil Mishara, who executed a direct hit from deep midwicket. This left Bangladesh reeling at 11 for 3.
Captain Litton Das attempted to stabilize the innings with a quickfire 28 off 26 balls but received minimal backing. Wanindu Hasaranga showcased his skills after the Power-play, trapping Mahedi Hasan lbw before dismissing Litton just before the drinks break. Consequently, Bangladesh found themselves struggling at 53 for 5 by the 11th over.
Just when it appeared that they might fall short of 100 runs, Shamim Hossain (42* off 34) and Jaker Ali (41* off 34) combined their efforts. The pair blended caution with calculated aggression, ensuring no further damage occurred. Shamim hit the only six of the innings in the second-to-last over, while Jaker's brisk running between the wickets kept the scoreboard ticking. Together, they forged an unbroken 86-run partnership — Bangladesh’s highest for the sixth wicket in men’s T20Is.
This resilient performance propelled Bangladesh to a total of 139 for 5, which seemed improbable after their early collapse. Mahedi Hasan had earlier scored the first boundary of the innings only in the fifth over, highlighting the challenging conditions posed by Sri Lanka’s pace attack.
At the halfway mark, Sri Lanka may believe they hold the edge, but Bangladesh’s bowlers now have a target to work with, thanks to the determination displayed by Shamim and Jaker.
Brief scores:
Bangladesh 139/5 in 20 overs (Shamim Hossain 42 not out, Jaker Ali 41 not out; Wanindu Hasaranga 2/25, Dushmantha Chameera 1/17) against Sri Lanka