Bangladesh Defeats Sri Lanka in Asia Cup Thriller: Saif Hassan & Towhid Hridoy Star.

  • September 20, 2025

The Bengal squad initiated their Round of Four journey in the Asian Championship Tournament 2025 with a nail-biting four-wicket triumph over The Island Nation at the Dubai International Cricket Arena. In pursuit of 169, the Bengal Tigers maintained their composure under duress, largely due to scores over half-century from Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy, clinching victory with only a single ball remaining. The outcome provided Bangladesh with an initial lift in the Round of Four phase and reinforced their developing status as a formidable T20 contingent.

The Island Nation post a respectable score in spite of stumbles

Choosing to bat first having lost the coin toss, The Island Nation’s innings featured a combination of forceful hitting and ill-timed exits. Pathum Nissanka initiated energetically, scoring 22 from 15 balls, while Kusal Mendis added a significant 34 from 25 deliveries, striking three maximums. Nevertheless, it was former captain Dasun Shanaka who altered the impetus with a rapid 64 from a mere 37 balls. His innings, highlighted by six sixes and three boundaries, elevated The Island Nation to 168/7 in their allotted 20 overs.

Captain Charith Asalanka also contributed 21 from 12, yet aside from these inputs, the middle order faltered under the pressure of disciplined Bengal bowling. Mustafizur Rahman stood out, securing three wickets for just 20 runs in his four overs. Mahedi Hasan rendered crucial assistance with figures of 2/25, ensuring The Island Nation did not dominate the proceedings despite Shanaka’s pyrotechnics.

Bengal’s chase strengthened by Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy

The Bengal response began tentatively, with Tanzid Hasan dismissed for a duck in the second over. However, opening batsman Saif stabilized the innings with a calm yet aggressive display. Exhibiting a maturity beyond his age, Hassan scored 61 runs from 45 balls, including two fours and four sixes. His partnership with Litton Das (23 from 16) steadied the innings and maintained the required run rate.

The pursuit gained increased pace when Hridoy joined Hassan. The young batter performed with measured aggression, amassing 58 runs from 37 deliveries, embellished with four boundaries and two sixes. Together, Hassan and Hridoy constituted the central part of Bengal’s chase, withstanding pressure from The Island Nation’s slow bowlers and capitalizing on any errant deliveries.

Despite some anxious moments near the end with Shamim Hossain (14 from 12) and Jaker Ali (9 from 4) being dismissed in quick succession, Bengal managed to maintain their position. With five runs needed in the final over, Shanaka claimed two wickets to boost the hopes of The Island Nation. But Nasum Ahmed edged a single off the penultimate ball, confirming the victory for Bengal at 169/6.

The Island Nation’s bowlers demonstrated determination, but lacked the decisive impact at pivotal junctures. Wanindu Hasaranga was most effective, returning figures of 2/22 in his four overs, while Shanaka picked up 2/21 in 2.5 overs during his late spell. However, expensive overs from Nuwan Thushara (1/42) and Dunith Wellalage (0/36) proved costly as Bengal’s batters exploited the limited boundaries in Dubai. For his game-winning innings of 61 under duress, Saif was awarded the Player of the Match.

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