Dubai, Sep 20 (UNI) Sri Lanka produced a fighting batting display to post a challenging 168 for seven in their allotted 20 overs against Bangladesh in the Super Fours opener of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium here tonight.
Asked to bat first after Bangladesh skipper opted to field, Sri Lanka overcame early setbacks thanks to an explosive innings from captain Dasun Shanaka, who blazed an unbeaten 64 off just 37 balls. His knock, studded with three boundaries and six towering sixes, transformed what looked like a modest total into a competitive one on a track offering just enough grip for the spinners and variation for the seamers.
Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis got Sri Lanka off to a lively start, putting together 44 in five overs. Nissanka, who cracked three boundaries and a six in his 22 off 15 balls, looked in fine touch before Taskin Ahmed had him caught at deep mid-wicket in the fifth over. Kusal Mendis carried on the momentum with crisp strokeplay, including three massive sixes and a boundary, before Mahedi Hasan struck in the eighth over to send him back for 34 off 25 balls.
Kamil Mishara (5) endured a scratchy stay before being bowled by Mahedi Hasan, and Kusal Perera (16 off 16) also fell trying to force the pace, edging Mustafizur Rahman behind. Charith Asalanka injected energy in the middle overs with 21 off 12 balls, featuring a six and a four, but his run-out in the 18th over halted Sri Lanka’s acceleration just when it was needed most.
Shanaka, however, was in no mood to relent. He weathered a couple of dropped chances — one off Mustafizur at short third and another by the deep fielder when he was on 40 — and then tore into the bowling at the death. He launched Nasum Ahmed for a 101-metre slog sweep and a clean strike over mid-wicket, and punished Shoriful Islam in the 18th over with two huge sixes, bringing up a 31-ball fifty and gesturing confidently towards the dressing room.
The final over from Taskin saw Shanaka scoop a full ball over short fine for four, before dispatching a slower bouncer deep into the stands over square leg to finish the innings in style. Wanindu Hasaranga (2) and Dunith Wellalage (0) remained unbeaten as the Lankans closed at 168, giving their bowlers something to defend under the Dubai lights.
Bangladesh’s attack had its moments. Mustafizur Rahman, clever with his slower balls and cutters, claimed 3 for 20, including Perera, Kamindu Mendis and Hasaranga. Mahedi Hasan’s double strike inside the first ten overs (2/25) gave Bangladesh control, while Taskin Ahmed (1/37) chipped in with crucial breakthroughs. Nasum Ahmed (0/36) kept things tight in the middle overs but was taken apart by Shanaka in his final spell.
With 169 needed off 20 overs, Bangladesh will look to build partnerships up front and counter Sri Lanka’s spin threat in the chase to open their Super Fours account on a winning note.
