Saif-Hridoy’s Fifties, Litton’s Record, Bangladesh Thrills in Super Four Win Against Sri Lanka

Asia Cup always promises subcontinental cricket excitement. In the Super Four stage, Bangladesh faced familiar rivals Sri Lanka. Leaving behind the memory of a group-stage defeat, Litton Das’s side secured a thrilling 4-wicket victory with one ball to spare. Fifties from Saif and Hridoy, along with controlled bowling by Mustafizur and Mehedi, stifled the Lankan batting lineup. This was a confident comeback, turning a previous loss into a winning story.

In the first Super Four match, Bangladesh faced Sri Lanka, both teams having been in the same group earlier. During the group stage clash at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Bangladesh had suffered a loss. However, Litton Das’s team did not let history repeat itself. With fifties from Saif and Hridoy, and a record-breaking innings from Litton, Bangladesh achieved a fantastic 4-wicket win with one ball remaining.

Dasun Shanaka’s brilliant innings had provided Sri Lanka a fighting total. They finished 168/7 in 20 overs. Shanaka scored a storming unbeaten 64 off 37 balls, including 6 fours and 3 sixes. Despite multiple chances early on, Bangladesh could not dismiss him.

Chasing 169, Bangladesh suffered an early blow as Tanzid Hasan Tamim was dismissed for a duck with the team score at 1. Captain Litton Das and opener Saif Hasan then stitched together a 59-run second-wicket partnership in 34 balls, revitalizing the Tigers’ hopes.

During this partnership, Litton Das surpassed Shakib Al Hasan’s tally of 2,551 runs in international T20s, becoming Bangladesh’s highest run-scorer in the format.

After Litton’s departure, Saif and Tawhid Hridoy guided Bangladesh closer to victory with another fifty-plus partnership. Saif struck a superb 62 off 36 balls, including 4 sixes and 1 four. Hridoy, ending a long run-drought, responded with 58 off 37 balls, including 4 fours and 2 sixes, before falling LBW to Chamira, even after taking a review. Hridoy’s 27-ball 47-run partnership with Shamim Hossain accelerated Bangladesh’s chase.

When Hridoy departed, Bangladesh needed 9 runs from 9 balls. The finish became dramatic as Zaker Ali (4 off 4) and Mehedi Hasan (0) fell quickly. On the fifth ball of the final over, newcomer Nasum Ahmed pushed a single to backward point, sealing Bangladesh’s win.

For Sri Lanka, Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga claimed 2 wickets each, while Nuwan Thushara and Dasun Chamira took one each.

Sri Lanka had an aggressive start after winning the toss. Kushal Mendis (36) and Pathum Nissanka (22) put on 53 runs for the first wicket in 6 overs. However, Mustafizur Rahman and Mehedi Hasan Miraz’s brilliant bowling led to regular wickets in the middle overs.

Dasun Shanaka changed the course of the innings with his 64* off 37 balls, taking Sri Lanka to 168. Bangladesh’s fielding lapses, including missed catches by Shamim Patowary and Hridoy, contributed to the total.

Mustafizur Rahman was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, claiming 3 wickets for just 19 runs in 4 overs. Sheikh Mehedi picked up 2 wickets for 25 runs in 4 overs.

Bangladesh made two changes to their playing XI: Nurul Hasan Sohan and Rishad Hossain were replaced by Sheikh Mehedi and Shariful Islam. Sri Lanka fielded an unchanged XI. Notably, Dunith Wellalage played despite a personal tragedy, following the death of his father.