Dubai, September 21, 2025 – In a pulsating start to the Super Fours stage of the Asia Cup 2025, Bangladesh edged out Sri Lanka by four wickets in a high-scoring T20 thriller at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday night. Chasing a competitive 169, the Bangla Tigers pulled off a dramatic victory, ending Sri Lanka's unbeaten streak in the tournament and injecting fresh excitement into the "Naagin Derby" rivalry.

Sri Lanka, riding high after three group-stage wins, posted 168/7 in their 20 overs after Bangladesh captain Litton Das won the toss and elected to bowl first. Dasun Shanaka's unbeaten 64 off 37 balls, laced with six fours and three sixes, provided the late fireworks, rescuing the innings from a precarious 104/5 in the 15th over. Kusal Mendis chipped in with 34, but the Lankan middle order struggled against a disciplined Bangladesh bowling attack. Mustafizur Rahman starred with figures of 3/20, including the crucial wickets of Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka, while Mahedi Hasan claimed 2/25. Taskin Ahmed's tight final over, conceding just five runs, proved decisive in restricting Sri Lanka to what many thought was a below-par total on a batting-friendly pitch.

In reply, Bangladesh's chase was a rollercoaster. Openers Tanzid Hasan Tamim fell early to Nuwan Thushara, but Saif Hassan (61 off 48) and Towhid Hridoy (58 off 42) forged a match-defining 112-run partnership for the second wicket, blending aggressive strokeplay with smart rotation. Hridoy's elegant cover drives and Hassan's calculated risks in the powerplay set the tone, taking Bangladesh to 120/1 at the 15-over mark.

However, Wanindu Hasaranga (2/22) and Shanaka (2/21) sparked a collapse, removing Hridoy, Litton Das (22), and Jaker Ali in quick succession to leave Bangladesh wobbling at 148/5 needing 21 off the last 28 balls. Enter Shamim Hossain (14* off 7), who smashed two boundaries in the 19th over off Dushmantha Chameera to ease the pressure. Nasum Ahmed (1*) held his nerve in the final over, steering a single to seal the win with one ball to spare.Also Read: IT-GST Officers Treat Wealth Creators Like Thieves: Justice Manmohan Issues Stern Warning

The victory marks Bangladesh's first win against Sri Lanka in four attempts in the UAE and their third in the last four T20I head-to-heads. It also ends Sri Lanka's eight-match winning streak in T20 Asia Cups, a run that dated back to 2022. For the Tigers, this chase is only their second successful pursuit of 160-plus in the last 16 T20Is, the other also against Sri Lanka in Sylhet earlier this year.BULLMER Striped Textured Printed Polo Neck Fullsleeve T-Shirt with Rib for Men

Post-match, Litton Das praised his team's composure: "Before the Asia Cup, we chased down big totals comfortably. Mustafizur and Taskin changed the game in the death overs. Saif can win matches single-handedly." Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka admitted they were 10-15 runs short: "We held our nerve till the end, but it wasn't enough. Shanaka's knock was terrific."

Sri Lanka Innings-

Pathum Nissanka-22(18balls) 4s/6s-3/0

Kusal Mendis (wk)-34(28balls) 4s/6s-3/1

Kamil Mishara-18(15balls)4s/6s- 2/0

Charith Asalanka (c)- 20(16balls)6s/4s-1/1

Dasun Shanaka- 64not out(37balls) 6s/4s- 6/3

Kamindu Mendis- 25(20balls)6s/4s- 2/1

Bangladesh Innings-

Saif Hassan- 61run(48 balls) 4s/6s-5/2

Towhid Hridoy-58 (42balls) 4s/6s- 6/1

Litton Das (c & wk)-22(14balls)-4s/6s 2/1

Shamim Hossain- 14*(7balls) 4s/6s 2/0

Fall of Wickets: - 1-35 (Nissanka), 2-52 (Mishara), 3-67 (Asalanka), 4-82 (Perera), 5-104 (Wellalage), 6-120 (Hasaranga), 7-148 (Kamindu).

Fall of Wickets: 1-10 (Tanzid), 2-122 (Hridoy), 3-133 (Das), 4-140 (Ali), 5-148 (Hassan), 6-160 (Mahedi).

Player of the Match: Saif Hassan (Bangladesh) – For his composed 61 that anchored the chase.

With this win, Bangladesh tops the Super Fours points table with two points, while Sri Lanka sits second. The Tigers face India on September 24, while the Lankans take on Pakistan the next day. As the Asia Cup heats up, this "Nagin Derby" has only added fuel to the fire – expect more twists in the tale.