Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, Asia Cup 2025 Super Four: Bangladesh Win by 4 Wickets in Last-Over Thriller

In a high-stakes Super Four clash in the Asia Cup 2025, Bangladesh produced a gutsy performance to defeat Sri Lanka by four wickets, chasing down a moderately challenging total with mere balls to spare. What stood out was not just the batting fireworks, but the poise under pressure. Here’s how the drama unfolded in Dubai.

Sri Lanka Sets the Stage

Batting first, Sri Lanka looked to set a competitive target. The openers gave promise early on: Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis stitched together a brisk 44 runs in just the first five overs, indicating a possible strong total.
But after that promising start, Sri Lanka’s middle order found itself under pressure. Wickets fell at regular intervals, slowing momentum. Bangladesh, especially bowlers Mustafizur Rahman and Mahedi Hasan, clawed their way back into contention. Mustafizur finished with impressive figures (3 for 20), while Mahedi also chipped in with two key wickets.
Dhammika Prasad’s impact was felt, but Sri Lanka didn’t get enough partnerships behind the top order, and a big finish proved elusive. However, credit must go to Dasun Shanaka, who came in at number 5 and played the anchor role to near perfection. His unbeaten 64 off just 37 balls, peppered with six sixes, gave Sri Lanka a chance.
By the end of 20 overs, Sri Lanka had posted 168 for 7. Not an impossible total, but given the wickets in hand and required acceleration, it was enough to keep Bangladesh on their toes.

Bangladesh’s Chase: A Test of Temperament

Bangladesh began their pursuit with a setback. Tanzid Hasan was dismissed for a duck in the very first over, a jolt to their top order. But rather than collapse, Bangladesh regrouped, led by Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy, who both delivered innings that combined aggressive stroke-play with situational awareness.
Saif lit up the chase with 61 off 45 balls, establishing a platform. Towhid joined in with an impressive 58 off 37 balls, accelerating when needed. Their partnership was crucial – not merely for the runs, but for keeping the scoreboard ticking.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers had moments: Wanindu Hasaranga picked up two wickets, Dasun Shanaka supported in the second innings with his off-spin, but couldn’t quite stem the tide. Bangladesh’s batters, aided by smart running between the wickets and choosing when to attack or defend, looked in control in most phases. Yet, the finish was tense.
With just one run required off the final over, Sri Lanka had created a window. But Shamim Hossain held his nerve in those last few deliveries, ensuring that Bangladesh reached 169 for 6 in 19.5 overs, barely scraping through.

Turning Points & Takeaways

Middle Over Control by Bangladesh’s Bowlers: After the early burst by Sri Lanka, Bangladesh tightened in the middle overs. Mustafizur and Mahedi not only picked wickets but also kept the economy in check, ensuring Sri Lanka couldn’t fully exploit loose deliveries.
Shanaka’s Resistance: Dasun Shanaka’s unbeaten knock was the difference between a moderate total and one that posed a real threat. His power hitting in the death overs provided Sri Lanka with hope. But cricket has this knack for turning the tables, especially in T20s.
Partnerships Under Pressure: For Bangladesh, the Saif-Towhid stand was the foundation of the chase. They absorbed pressure, with the occasional burst of aggression, especially when tight overs came. Supporting batters also chipped in enough to ensure stability.
The Final Over Nerves: Bangla Tigers nearly allowed the game to drift away. Sri Lanka bowled well in the death overs; Bangladesh had to be precise, mentally sharp. Shamim’s calm in the final over sealed it. Moments like that define not just matches, but momentum in tournaments.

What This Win Means

For Bangladesh, this victory is sweet revenge. In the initial stage of the Asia Cup, Sri Lanka had dominated them. But this time, Bangladesh not only got them beaten, but did so under pressure. This result propels Bangladesh forward in the Super Four stage, boosting confidence for upcoming clashes.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will leave with mixed feelings. Their top order showed promise. The lower order, especially Shanaka, did well to push. But the inability to take advantage of the Powerplay and finish strong in the final overs cost them. As captain Charith Asalanka said (after the match), they were probably 10-15 runs short of where they could’ve been.

Player of the Match & Honors

Player of the Match: Saif Hassan – for his composed 61 that anchored the chase, providing the backbone Bangladesh needed.
Special mention goes to Towhid Hridoy, who kept the momentum alive when required, and Dasun Shanaka, whose unbeaten 64 was a gem under pressure.

Looking Ahead

Bangladesh will hope to carry this momentum forward in the Super Four. Winning tight games builds character, and this one might just lighten their belief for the harder matches to come.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will need to review where the margins slipped through their fingers. Improvements in the death overs, better contributions from the lower middle order, and maximizing the Powerplay are likely to be areas of focus before their next outing.

Final Thoughts

This match was a microcosm of what makes T20 cricket so enthralling: fast swings of momentum, individual courage, and collective belief. Bangladesh showed both grit and flair, reminding us that in the shortest format, games are rarely over until the last ball is bowled.

A four-wicket win in the 19.5th over may not look like a runaway; it wasn’t. But for Bangladesh, it was a statement. And for Sri Lanka, a lesson in seizing every opportunity.