DHAKA, Sept 20, 2025 (BSS)—Pacer Mustafizur Rahman claimed 3-20 in four overs as Bangladesh restricted Sri Lanka to 168-7 in their Asia Cup Super Fours opening game at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Dasun Shanaka fought admirably to blast 37 ball-64 with three fours and six sixes, giving the bowlers something to defend amid Bangladesh bowlers disciplined action, led by Mustafizur.

Mahedi Hasan complemented Mustafizur Rahman with 2-25 while Taskin Ahmed grabbed 1-37.

Bangladesh captain Liton Das sent Sri Lanka to bat first but the decision looked imprudent with Lankan openers making the carnage right from the outset.  

Kusal Mendis hit one four and three sixes to strike 34 off 25 while his opening partner Pathum Nissanka was aggressive enough if not like Mendis, hitting 22 off 15.

Together they put on 44 in five overs, before Taskin struck with the wicket of Nissanka. 

Mahedi Hasan then blew Sri Lanka further with the wicket of Mendis, paving his side’s way to claw back into the game.

The bowlers bowled impeccably in the middle overs, generally the weakest link of Bangladesh, to stall Sri Lanka’s progress.
However, Shanaka stood tall to single-handedly kept the side on course of anything closer to 200. 

With set Shanaka in the crease, Sri Lanka looked indomitable but Mustafizur delivered an excellent death over bowling that saw him conceded only four runs in the penultimate over for two wickets.

That over turned the tide as Sri Lanka were held back below 170, giving Bangladesh batters a chance to overhaul the target with relative ease.