Dubai, Sep 21 (NationPress) Saif Hasan and Towhid Hridoy delivered remarkable half-centuries after Mustafizur Rahman and Mahedi Hasan set the stage by taking five wickets between them, leading Bangladesh to a thrilling victory over Sri Lanka by four wickets in the opening match of the Super 4 stage of the Men's T20 Asia Cup 2025 here on Saturday.

Despite winning just one of their last 14 chases, Bangladesh was unstoppable as Saif Hasan scored 61 off 45 balls and Hridoy added 58 off 37 balls, helping the team reach 169/6 in 19.5 overs, avenging their earlier six-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka.

The bowlers were pivotal in creating this opportunity for victory, although Sri Lanka had a strong performance with a counterattacking 64 not out off 38 balls from Dasun Shanaka, enabling them to post a challenging score of 168/7 in 20 overs. For Bangladesh, Mustafizur Rahman claimed 3-20, including two late wickets in the penultimate over, while Mahedi Hasan took 2-25 upon his return to the squad.

After losing Tanzid Hasan for a duck, Bangladesh, who chose to bowl first, gained momentum during the Power-play with a score of 59/1, slightly better than the 53/1 they managed in the opening six overs.

Saif Hasan started explosively, hitting several boundaries during the Power-play, receiving solid support from skipper Litton Das, as they put together 59 runs for the second wicket. However, just as they seemed to dominate, Das, who scored 23 off 16 (3x4), fell to Wanindu Hasaranga.

Saif continued to flourish, reaching his half-century off 36 balls, and with Hridoy backing him up, Bangladesh exceeded the 100-run mark. Saif was eventually dismissed by Hasaranga for 61 off 45 balls (2x4, 4x6).

Hridoy took on the responsibility thereafter, achieving his fifty in 31 balls as Bangladesh reached 150, maintaining a steady run rate. He was dismissed by Chameera, getting trapped lbw by a thigh-high full toss. Bangladesh faced a slight hiccup needing five runs from the final over. After Jaker Ali hit a four on the first ball, Bangladesh lost two wickets in the next three deliveries before Nasum Hamed scampered for a single to secure victory.

Earlier, a stunning counter-attacking half-century from Dasun Shanaka helped Sri Lanka recover from a challenging position to finish at a competitive 168/7 in their 20 overs.

The contest was thrilling as Sri Lanka began briskly but stumbled after losing four quick wickets, until Shanaka stepped up. The former Sri Lanka captain reached his half-century off 30 balls, setting a formidable target for Bangladesh, especially given the average total of 150 in this event.

Following a partnership of 44 runs for the opening wicket between Pathum Nissanka (22) and Kusal Mendis (34), Sri Lanka faltered, dropping to 97/4, with Mahedi Hasan taking two of those wickets.

Shanaka's counterattacking performance of 64 not out off 37 balls, featuring six sixes and three boundaries, propelled Sri Lanka to a robust finish. He shared a 57-run partnership with Asalanka (21 off 12 balls) for the fifth wicket, dominating the bowling.

Mustafizur Hasan regained control for Bangladesh by claiming two wickets in the penultimate over for just five runs, while Taksin Ahmed bowled four dot balls in the last over, ensuring Sri Lanka finished at 168 when a score of 190 seemed possible.

Ultimately, those key overs were crucial as Bangladesh triumphed by four wickets.

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) lost to Bangladesh 169/6 in 19.5 overs (Saif Hasan 61, Towhid Hridoy 58; Wanindu Hasaranga 2-22, Dasun Shanaka 2-21) by four wickets.