Asia Cup: Bangladesh Edge Sri Lanka in Thrilling Super 4 Clash Despite Shanaka's Power Hitting

Bangladesh secured a tense four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in their Asia Cup Super Fours match, led by impressive fifties from Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy. Sri Lanka posted 168 for seven, featuring Dasun Shanaka's explosive 64 off 37 balls, while Bangladesh reached 169/6 in 19.5 overs.Despite losing Tanzid Hasan early to Nuwan Thushara, Bangladesh maintained their composure during the chase. Litton Das and Saif Hassan formed a crucial partnership, accumulating 59 runs for the second wicket in just 5.2 overs.Saif Hassan displayed excellent form, hitting three sixes, including two against Dunith Wellalage, who had recently returned after attending his father's funeral. Hassan reached his fifty in 35 balls before Das fell to Wanindu Hasaranga.Hassan and Hridoy then built a 54-run partnership for the third wicket. Hridoy's aggressive batting included a 16-run over against Kamind Mendis, bringing Bangladesh closer to their target.Hassan's innings ended when he was dismissed by Hasaranga while attempting to accelerate. Hridoy continued the chase but fell to Dushmantha Chameera near the end.Bangladesh experienced some nervous moments in the final over, losing two wickets but ultimately crossed the finish line.Earlier, Sri Lanka's innings began strongly with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis putting up 44 runs in 5 overs. Nissanka scored 22 off 15 balls, while Mendis contributed 34 from 25 deliveries.The momentum shifted after Nissanka's dismissal, caught by Saif Hassan off Taskin Ahmed's bowling. Mendis soon followed, caught by Hassan off Mahedi Hasan's bowling.Kamil Mishara and Kusal Perera struggled to maintain the scoring rate, with Sri Lanka failing to find boundaries for nearly five overs.Bangladesh's bowlers, particularly Mahedi and Mustafizur Rahman, maintained tight control with their variations. Rahman emerged as the most successful bowler with figures of 3/20.Both Mishara and Perera departed in quick succession, leaving Sri Lanka at 97 for 4 in 13.4 overs. Mishara was bowled attempting a reverse lap against Mahedy, while Perera edged to keeper Liton Das off Rahman.Shanaka and Charith Asalanka (21) stabilized the innings with a 57-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Shanaka particularly targeted Nasum, hitting him for two sixes and a four in one over.The partnership ended with Asalanka's run out, but Shanaka finished strongly, scoring a four and six off Taskin in the final over to help Sri Lanka reach a competitive total.