Nissanka shines in Lanka’s victory over Bangladesh

Pathum Nissanka scored a brilliant fifty as Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by six wickets in their Group B match of the Asia Cup in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Chasing a target of 140, Lanka got over the line for the loss of six wickets with 32 balls to be bowled.

Earlier, Shamim Hossain (42 not out) and Jaker Ali (41 not out) top scored as Bangladesh fought back to post 139/5 in 20 overs against Sri Lanka in the fifth match of Group B of the Asia Cup at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.

An unbeaten record 86 runs for the sixth-wicket stand between Shamim Hossain and Jaker Ali gave the Tigers a total to bowl at after being reduced to 53 for 5.

Put into bat, Bangladesh endured a disastrous beginning. Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera were unplayable with the new ball, sending both openers back without a run on the board.

Thushara rattled Tanzid Hasan Tamim’s off stump with a peach of a delivery, before Chameera had Parvez Hossain Emon caught behind in the very next over. Remarkably, Sri Lanka began with successive wicket-maiden overs to leave Bangladesh stunned.

Matters worsened when Towhid Hridoy, reprieved earlier in the over, was run out brilliantly by Kamil Mishara. The Sri Lankan fielder nailed a direct hit from deep midwicket to catch Hridoy short, reducing Bangladesh to 11 for 3.

Skipper Litton Das attempted to steady the innings with a 26-ball 28, but found little support. Wanindu Hasaranga applied his guile after the Power-play, trapping Mahedi Hasan lbw before sending back Litton at the stroke of the drinks break. Bangladesh were left tottering at 53 for 5 in the 11th over.

Just when it seemed they might fold for under 100, Shamim Hossain (42* off 34) and Jaker Ali (41* off 34) joined hands. The duo mixed caution with calculated aggression, ensuring there was no further damage. Shamim struck the only six of the innings in the penultimate over, while Jaker’s busy running between the wickets kept the scoreboard moving. Together, they stitched an unbroken 86-run partnership — Bangladesh’s highest for the sixth wicket or lower in men’s T20Is.

It was a gritty effort that carried Bangladesh to 139 for 5, a total that looked improbable after the early collapse. Mahedi Hasan had earlier hit the first boundary of the innings only in the fifth over, underlining how testing conditions were against Sri Lanka’s pace attack.

At the halfway stage, Sri Lanka will still feel they hold the advantage, but Bangladesh’s bowlers now have something to work with thanks to the resilience shown by Shamim and Jaker.

Meanwhile, Dubai’s Events Security Committee (ESC) has called on cricket fans attending the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 encounter between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium to uphold sportsmanship and adhere to rules and regulations.

The Committee stressed that spectators’ conduct should reflect the UAE’s civilised image and its distinguished standing in hosting world-class international sporting events.

Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations at Dubai Police and Chairman of the ESC, stated that preparations are already in place for all Asia Cup 2025 matches.

He affirmed that specialised police units are fully prepared to secure the matches and deal firmly with any disruptions to stadium safety, stressing that legal action will be taken against violators to safeguard both spectators and facilities.

He highlighted that the Federal Law on the Security of Sports Facilities and Events imposes strict penalties. Offenders who enter the pitch without authorisation or carry prohibited items such as fireworks would face imprisonment of one to three months and fines ranging from Dhs.5,000 to Dhs30,000.

Those committing acts of violence, throwing objects at spectators or onto the field, or using racist or abusive language during sporting events would face both imprisonment and fines between Dhs10,000 and Dhs.30,000.

Major General Al Mazrouei warned against bringing dangerous or restricted materials into the stadium, including fireworks, flammable substances, lasers, umbrellas, large camera equipment, selfie sticks, sharp objects, toxic substances, flags, banners, pets, remote-controlled devices, bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and glass items. He stressed that such items pose risks to spectators, players, officials, and all those present within the sporting venue.

Agencies