BAN vs SL: Bangladesh staged a thrilling outing in the Asia Cup 2025 when they achieved their first win of the tournament against Sri Lanka, achieving a tricky run chase of 168 in a dramatic finish.
While Dasun Shanaka’s solid innings were impressive, as were the early successes for Sri Lanka, strong opening stands from Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy ensured Bangladesh completed a close, but deserving win with a ball to spare.
BAN vs SL: Bangladesh Top-Order Partnerships Provide the Tone
Bangladesh’s run-chase was founded on a succession of good partnerships that carried them through even with some late-game jitters. Saif Hassan and Litton Das did the groundwork with a 59-run partnership off just 34 balls.
This aggressive beginning gave Bangladesh every chance to place Sri Lanka’s bowlers under pressure early. Next, Saif accompanied Towhid Hridoy in a vital 54-run stand off 45 balls, contributing to Bangladesh’s cause through the middle overs.
Near the conclusion of the chase, Hridoy dominated with the support of Shamim Hossain, scoring 45 runs off 27 balls to bring Bangladesh close to winning.
Even though Bangladesh lost a couple of wickets in the last over, including almost losing a third in the pursuit of the last five runs, their good partnerships towards the beginning of the innings eased the chase considerably, and they finished their target with an over to spare.
BAN vs SL: Sri Lanka’s Struggles in the Field
Throughout the innings, Sri Lanka struggled to take regular wickets. Nuwan Thushara, who has been a key bowler against Bangladesh in the past, failed to make the desired impact. His first spell cost Sri Lanka dearly, with Saif Hassan neutralizing him early by hitting him for boundaries, including a six over his head.
By the 15th over, Bangladesh had lost only three wickets and required just 39 runs to win. The inability of Sri Lanka to break through and curb the run flow granted Bangladesh control over the chase.
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Dasun Shanaka’s Late Charge for Sri Lanka
Dasun Shanaka was moved to No. 5 during Sri Lanka’s innings in a bid to inject some finishing heat. Shanaka replied with a match-winning 64 not out off 37 balls, taking Sri Lanka to a fighting total. But for all his efforts, Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Mustafizur Rahman (3 for 20) and Mahedi Hasan (2 for 25), kept Sri Lanka’s total within reach of the pursuing side.
Saif Hassan Dazzles Early Powerplay
A key moment in the match was Saif Hassan’s batting display and his aggressive intent towards perhaps Sri Lanka’s best bowler, Nuwan Thushara.
Following Tanzid Hasan’s dismissal, Saif took responsibility for the run chase, hitting Thushara for fours in his second and third overs. This aggression early in the innings to help set up the chase was important for Bangladesh in exploiting Thushara’s full-ball pattern in the fielding restrictions.
Towhid Hridoy Shines in the Middle Overs
The bowling plan for Sri Lanka was to use their spinners and all-rounders to dictate the middle overs. Kamindu Mendis, however, was the game-changer in the match when he bowled the 15th over of the Bangladesh chase.
With 55 runs needed off 36 balls, Hridoy came in and took on Mendis. He kicked off by playing a cover drive for four and then hit a massive six over square leg, followed by another four. After that over Hridoy contributed 16 runs for the over and lowered it down to 39 runs from 30 balls for Bangladesh.
Key Performances:
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Saif Hassan: His 59-run stand with Litton Das was vital in tackling Sri Lanka’s pace attack – led by Nuwan Thushara.
Towhid Hridoy: Took Kamindu Mendis on to show his dominance by taking charge of the innings through the middle overs and making the chase easy.
Dasun Shanaka: His score of 64* off 37 balls was by far the best-score for Sri Lanka and unfortunately did not result in a win for the team.
Mustafizur Rahman: Came up with 3 for 20 in a key bowling performance that helped keep Sri Lanka’s total down to a reasonable chase.
Not only did this victory give Bangladesh their first win against Sri Lanka in this Asia Cup, but it also suggested they can chase under pressure. Players like Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy will play an important role in Bangladesh’s attempt to carry this form into the tournament.
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