Saif and Hridoy fifties hand Sri Lanka their first Asia Cup defeat
Shanaka's unbeaten 64 had taken Sri Lanka to 168 but it wasn't enough
Shanaka's unbeaten 64 had taken Sri Lanka to 168 but it wasn't enough
Scorer: M Venkat Raghav | Commentator: Ashish Pant
It got closer at the end that what Bangladesh would have liked, but they have a win and that's all that matters. If you missed any of the action, Fidel's report will be in soon. That will be it from us tonight, but we will be back nice and early on Sunday for round 2 of India vs Pakistan... let's see what drama follows this game this time around. Till then, it is me Ashish Pant signing off on behalf of Raghav and Ranjith. Ciao!
Litton Das, Bangladesh captain: Before the Asia Cup we played a few series and we chased down the target so we knew we have a good batting side. [On Mustafizur] We know how effective Mustafizur is. It was a very good wicket. Mustafizur and Taskin changed the game, with their 19th and 20th overs. It was looking at 190 at one time. [On Saif Hassan] I know Saif has the talent to win us games. We knew he will be a good batsman in the UAE. I know his character, and know his game. Whenever you chase this type of game, you are pumped up for the next game. We have to come good again; new game new team, we have to bring our A game.
Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka captain: It was a terrific game and we held our nerve but it wasn't enough. I was pleased about the batting. We could have done a little better in the last two overs. We were 10-15 runs short. Dasun Shanaka batted really well and we pushed him to bat at No. 5 and he did a really good job.
Saif Hassan is the player of the match: The wicket was very good, I tried to time the ball and held my shape. Litton da was helping me. He was supporting my game, he was anticipating my game. Very happy to contribute to my team. I just followed my process and the preparation was good. We had a plan against Thushara for the right-handed batsman.
Presentation time
10.11pm Bangladesh would have wanted a little less drama at the end but at the end of the day, it's the W that counts and they have got it. Sri Lanka's unbeaten run in the tournament ends as they go down by four wickets. A professional chase from Bangladesh, this. They lost Tanzid Hasan early but Saif Hassan had a stellar day. He attacked from the get-go and alongside Litton Das took Bangladesh forward. Once Litton fell, it was time for Towhid Hridoy to take over. The duo added 45 off 27 balls for the fourth wicket and all but sealed the deal. There was a little drama at the end, but Bangladesh made it home with a ball to spare.
Vedant: "Another classic added to the Ban-Sl rivalry."
Rashid: "Well well well. As a Bangladeshi fan I will always have PTSD seeing 2 runs 3 balls "
From Namooh Shah:
Bangladesh while chasing 160+ since Sep 2021 v FM nations before this game - Mats: 16 | W: 2 | L: 14
It's not over, till it's over. Nasum comes in with Bangladesh requiring 1 off 2
Mahedi Hasan c †BKG Mendis b Shanaka 0 (2m 2b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0
Mahedi in
Jaker Ali b Shanaka 9 (5m 4b 2x4 0x6) SR: 225
Around
Shanaka to bowl the last over. Bangladesh need 5 from 6 balls
By holding Mustafizur Rahman back till after the powerplay, Bangladesh had their bowling plan down pat, and then it just needed common sense to pull off the chase
Shanaka's unbeaten 64 had taken Sri Lanka to 168 but it wasn't enough
Mustafizur Rahman and Mahedi Hasan picked up five wickets between them in eight overs
Sri Lanka went into the game unchanged after Dunith Wellalage re-joined the team after his father's death
Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh in their group-stage game and then did Bangladesh a favour by beating Afghanistan, and go into this game with momentum on their side