A thriller in Dubai saw Bangladesh edge past Sri Lanka to kick off the Super 4s with a crucial win. Another victory here, and a spot in the final will start to feel within reach. Mustafizur Rahman laid the foundation with the ball, before explosive knocks from Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy took Bangladesh over the line.
Tomorrow, the big one awaits in the Asia Cup 2025, India face Pakistan for the second time in the tournament. For now, this is Ajay Pal Singh, signing off on behalf of my colleagues Darpan Tikiya, Manish Bishnoi, Paras Yadav, and Aman. Goodbye!!!
Litton Das (Bangladesh captain): "Before the Asia Cup, we played a couple of series where we chased down the target comfortably. So we knew we had the ability. It was a pretty good wicket to bat on.
I think Mustafizur's 19th over and Taskin's 20th over changed the game. Before that it was looking like 190. I know that Saif can win us matches. I know his character. We selected him because we believe he can win us matches in Asia.
(On the next match) Whenever you chase this kind of score down, you have confidence on your side. But you have to come back strong. It will be a new day against a new team."
Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka Captain): It was a terrific game. We held our nerves till the end but it wasn't enough. I am pleased about our batting a bit but we could have done better in the last few overs, we were 10-15 runs short.
Dasun Shanaka batted really well. Batting at 5, he did a good job. It was a really happy time for us. He hit a big six, the dressing room was happy. It was almost 170, that is what we wanted."
Saif Hassan (Player of the Match): "I think the wicket was very good. I tried to time the ball and hold my shape. Litton da was helping me. He was supporting a lot. He anticipating quite well and telling me what the next ball could be. Happy to contribute.
Preparation was good. We had a good batting meeting. We planned well against the bowler. (Plans against Hasaranga) We wanted the right-handers to hold their shape and hit him straight."
Player of the Match: Saif Hassan
Super Sixes of the Match: Dasun Shanaka (6 Maximums)
Game Changer of the Match: Towhid Hridoy
Time for the post-match presentation...
Most Dismissals as a Wicketkeeper for Sri Lanka in T20Is: