Bangladesh pulled off a nail-biting victory over Sri Lanka in the Super Four stage at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday night, chasing down 169 with four wickets in hand and just one ball to spare. Thanks to blistering innings from Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy, Bangladesh survived immense pressure to seal the win.
Where did the match turn for Bangladesh?
Mahedi’s dominance in the middle overs
Kusal Mendis got Sri Lanka off to a fiery start, flicking Taskin Ahmed for a six early on. Known for his ability to dominate spin, especially against Bangladesh. Mendis looked ominous in the powerplay.
Mahedi Hasan, recalled to the XI in place of Rishad Hossain, was greeted with an 83-metre six over long-on by Mendis in his first over. But Mahedi struck back. In his second over, he delivered a flatter ball at 90 km/h on the stumps. Mendis attempted a sweep, but only managed a top edge, with Saif Hassan completing a straightforward catch at deep square leg.
In the third over of his spell, Mahedi slowed his delivery slightly to left-hander Kamil Mishara, who went for a reverse sweep with the third man inside the circle. The change of pace and disciplined length did the trick again.
That was the turning point: Sri Lanka’s run flow slowed considerably. Mahedi ended with an outstanding spell of 4-0-25-4. Considering the match-ups and Dubai’s turning surface, his selection was spot on, and he repaid the team’s faith in full.
The Fizz effect
Dasun Shanaka arrived with Sri Lanka at 65/3 and counterattacked, adding 32 with Kusal Perera. The partnership looked threatening until Mustafizur Rahman intervened. After conceding a boundary, Mustafiz forced Perera to edge behind Litton Das. Perera reviewed, but the decision stood.
Shanaka, however, was in devastating form, smashing an unbeaten 64 off 37 balls. He took on every bowler except Mustafizur. Alongside Wanindu Hasaranga, “The Fizz” maximized the conditions, finishing with a remarkable 4-0-20-3. His precision in the death overs ensured Sri Lanka fell at least 15–20 runs short of the 180 they were targeting.
Saif’s battle with Thushara
Sri Lanka’s new-ball specialist Nuwan Thushara once again struck early. In the very first over, he sent Tanzid Hasan Tamim’s off stump cartwheeling with a slower off-cutter for the second time in this tournament he has dismissed him in that fashion.
But Saif Hassan responded in style. The right-hander counterattacked, taking 22 runs off Thushara’s 11 deliveries, including one four and two sixes. His second six, standing tall, head still, pulling on the back leg, and launching the ball over deep midwicket, was particularly memorable.
Saif not only neutralized Thushara’s threat but also anchored Bangladesh’s chase. He forged crucial partnerships with Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy before being named Player of the Match for his 61 off 45 balls and two catches.
The Saif–Hridoy partnership
After Litton’s dismissal, Towhid Hridoy walked in with pressure mounting. At first tentatively, he soon found his rhythm and combined brilliantly with Saif for a 54-run stand for the third wicket that kept Bangladesh in the contest.
Hasaranga threatened to wrest the match back for Sri Lanka, but Hridoy handled him calmly, mixing boundaries with clever rotation. Together, Saif and Hridoy ensured Bangladesh stayed in control despite late nerves, setting up the thrilling finish.
