Half-centuries from Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy powered Bangladesh to a commanding victory over Sri Lanka in their ACC Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Chasing 169, Bangladesh lost Tanzid Hasan for a two-ball duck in the opening over, but Saif Hassan and skipper Litton Das steadied the innings with an aggressive 59-run stand off just 34 balls.

Hasaranga broke the partnership by removing Das for 23 (16 balls, 3 fours), but Saif kept the momentum flowing.

Partnering with Hridoy, Saif added 54 more runs before falling to Hasaranga after a fluent 61 off 45 deliveries, decorated with two fours and four sixes.

Hridoy then took charge, bringing up his half-century in 31 balls and stitching a vital 45-run stand with Shamim Hossain. He eventually perished for a brilliant 58 off 36 balls, leaving Bangladesh just 10 runs short of victory.

The chase saw late drama when Jaker Ali (9 off 4) and Mahedi Hasan (0) departed with scores level. But Nasum Ahmed held his nerve, striking the winning shot with two balls to spare, as Shamim finished unbeaten on 14.

Wanindu Hasaranga led Sri Lanka’s bowling with 2-22, while Nuwan Thushara, Dasun Shanaka and Dushmantha Chameera picked up one wicket apiece.

Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 168-7 after being sent in to bat, courtesy of a blistering 64* off 37 balls from Shanaka.

Opening duo Pathum Nissanka (22 off 15) and Kusal Mendis (34 off 25) gave the Lankans a flying start with a 44-run stand, but Bangladesh fought back with quick wickets.

Sri Lanka slipped to 97-4 before Shanaka and Charith Asalanka (21 off 12) counterattacked with a rapid 57-run stand from just 27 balls.

Asalanka’s run-out and Mustafizur Rahman’s double strike in the 19th over halted the surge, but Shanaka’s six-laden knock (6 sixes, 3 fours) ensured a competitive total.

For Bangladesh, Mustafizur was outstanding with 3-20, while Mahedi Hasan bagged two wickets and Taskin Ahmed claimed one.

A Sports