Dubai, September 20, 2025 – The Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage got underway in dramatic fashion as Bangladesh stunned Sri Lanka by four wickets in a tense encounter that went down to the penultimate ball. The result not only gave the Tigers a morale-boosting start but also threw the group wide open.
Sri Lanka, asked to bat first after Bangladesh skipper Litton Das won the toss, looked in complete control during the early overs. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis provided a flying start, racing to 44 inside five overs. However, the momentum shifted when Nissanka departed, and Bangladesh’s bowlers gradually pulled things back. Mustafizur Rahman was exceptional with figures of 3 for 20, while Mahedi Hasan bowled an economical spell and claimed two key wickets. Despite their struggles, Sri Lanka found some momentum in the death overs through former captain Dasun Shanaka, who blasted an unbeaten 64 off just 37 deliveries, striking six sixes to lift his side to 168 for seven in 20 overs.
Defending 169, Sri Lanka struck early as Nuwan Thushara removed Tanzid Hasan for a duck in the first over. Bangladesh, however, responded strongly with Saif Hassan’s counter-attack. He built a steady partnership with Litton Das and later brought up a well-constructed half-century before being dismissed. Tawhid Hridoy then took charge of the chase with a superb fifty of his own, keeping the Tigers firmly in the hunt.
The closing stages were filled with tension. With 10 runs required, Hridoy was dismissed, leaving the game delicately poised. Wanindu Hasaranga had given Sri Lanka hope with his wicket-taking spells, but the lack of a reliable fifth bowler once again cost them dearly. Ultimately, Shamim Hossain held his nerve amidst the chaos of the final over, guiding Bangladesh across the finish line with one ball to spare.
For Sri Lanka, the defeat was a setback after they had dominated the group stage, even brushing aside Bangladesh in their earlier clash. This reversal now leaves them with little margin for error if they hope to reach the final. For Bangladesh, the victory was sweet revenge for their group stage loss, and more importantly, it highlighted their growing confidence and composure in crunch situations.
The Super Four stage has only just begun, but with this result, Bangladesh have sent a clear message: they are here not just to compete, but to win.