Abu Dhabi, Sep 13 (UNI) Bangladesh’s innings was rescued by a sensational late-order partnership as Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain powered the team to 139 for 5 in their 20 overs against Sri Lanka in the 5th Group B match of the Asia Cup 2025 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
After a shaky start that saw Bangladesh lose early wickets, the duo’s aggressive stroke play, clever placement, and timing turned a precarious situation into a competitive total.
Shamim hit a towering six over mid-wicket and a series of well-placed boundaries through square leg and mid-wicket, while Jaker contributed a composed 41 runs, finding gaps consistently and rotating the strike effectively.
The innings had begun in troubled fashion with openers Tanzid Hasan Tamim (0) and Parvez Hossain Emon (0) dismissed cheaply by Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera. Towhid Hridoy (8), after a promising start, was run out by a stunning direct hit from Kamil Mishara at deep mid-wicket, and Mahedi Hasan (9) fell LBW to Wanindu Hasaranga’s clever googly.
Captain Litton Das attempted to stabilise the innings with a mix of drives and sweeps but was eventually caught by Kusal Mendis for 28 off 26 balls.
Jaker and Shamim’s late-innings counterattack changed the momentum. Their partnership combined flair and precision, with Shamim lifting the ball effortlessly over the infield and Jaker finding gaps to keep the scoreboard ticking. The duo ensured Bangladesh recovered from 53 for 5, adding crucial runs that could prove decisive in the match.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Wanindu Hasaranga (2/25), 4-remained disciplined and tested the lower order, but the resilience and attacking mindset of Jaker and Shamim frustrated their plans.
Thushara, Dasun Shanaka, and Matheesha Pathirana bowled tight lines, while Kusal Mendis impressed behind the stumps with a direct-hit run-out and a couple of sharp catches.
Bangladesh’s innings showcased early collapses followed by an electrifying recovery from the lower order, emphasising the importance of depth in T20 batting. Sri Lanka will now look to chase the target, relying on their experienced batting lineup and balanced bowling attack to secure a victory in this crucial group-stage encounter.
