A composed half-century from Pathum Nissanka, coupled with a disciplined bowling performance led by Wanindu Hasaranga, secured Sri Lanka a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the fifth match of the Asia Cup at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
Opting to bowl first, Sri Lanka reduced Bangladesh to 139 for five in their allotted 20 overs. Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera struck early, removing openers Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon without scoring. Hasaranga then dismissed Litton Das for 28 and trapped Mahedi Hasan leg before for 9, tightening Sri Lanka’s grip on the innings.
Despite the early setbacks, Jaker Ali (41 not out) and Shamim Hossain (42 not out) added an unbroken 86-run stand, giving Bangladesh a respectable total. However, the score was never enough to truly test the opposition.
In reply, Sri Lanka reached the target in just 14.4 overs. Nissanka led the chase with a fluent 50 from 34 balls, striking six boundaries and a six. He was well-supported by Kamil Mishara, who remained unbeaten on 46 off 32 deliveries. Though Sri Lanka lost four wickets, including Kusal Mendis and Dasun Shanaka cheaply, the result was never in doubt.
Mahedi Hasan was the most successful bowler for Bangladesh, taking two wickets for 29 runs, but received little support from the rest of the attack. Mustafizur Rahman and Tanzim Hasan Sakib claimed one wicket each.
Sri Lanka’s convincing performance with both bat and ball underscored their control throughout the contest, as they cruised to victory with 32 balls to spare.
