In a commanding performance at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Sri Lanka easily defeated Bangladesh in the fifth match of the ongoing Asia Cup. The defending champions successfully chased down a target of 140 runs with four wickets in hand and 32 balls to spare.
Sri Lanka’s Batting:
Sri Lanka’s chase had a rocky start when opener Kusal Mendis fell for just three runs in the second over, with the team’s score at 13. However, Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara quickly stabilized the innings, forming a crucial 85-run partnership for the second wicket.
Nissanka was the main aggressor in the partnership, top-scoring with a rapid 50 off 34 balls, which included six fours and a six. He was eventually dismissed by Mahedi Hasan. Although Sri Lanka lost two more quick wickets, Mishara remained at the crease, guiding the team to victory with an unbeaten 46 from 32 deliveries, featuring four fours and two sixes.
For Bangladesh, Mahedi Hasan was the most effective bowler, taking two wickets for 29 runs in his four overs. Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Mustafizur Rahman each claimed one wicket.
Bangladesh’s Innings:
Earlier, after losing the toss, Bangladesh’s middle-order managed to salvage their innings to post a total of 139 for five.
The Tigers’ start was disastrous, as they lost both openers, Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon, for ducks. Towhid Hridoy (eight) was also run out, leaving the team at a fragile state of three wickets down within the first five overs.
Captain Litton Das attempted a recovery with a steady knock of 28 runs from 26 balls before being dismissed by Wanindu Hasaranga in the 10th over. With Bangladesh struggling at 53 for five, middle-order batters Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain built a resilient 86-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Shamim was the top scorer for his side with 42 off 34 balls, while Jaker added 41 runs.
Wanindu Hasaranga was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, taking two wickets for 25 runs. Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara each chipped in with one wicket.
Playing XIs:
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, and Nuwan Thushara.
Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Litton Das (c & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, and Mustafizur Rahman.
