In the Rising Stars Asia Cup, Bangladesh A have secured their place in the semi-finals—despite a narrow six-run defeat to Sri Lanka A in their final group match in Doha.
Bangladesh entered the match with confidence, thanks to two commanding wins earlier in the group stage. This strong start meant qualification was almost guaranteed, although topping the group still depended on maintaining a superior run rate.
Sri Lanka, batting first, posted 159 for seven, driven by a superb innings from Sahan Arachchige, who struck 69 off 49 balls. Bangladesh’s bowlers, including Ripon Mondol and Abu Hider with two wickets each, struggled at key moments as Sri Lanka built a competitive total.
Chasing 160, Bangladesh began brightly. Habibur Rahman played a blistering knock of 27 from 14 deliveries, helping the team reach 29 within three overs. Fellow opener Zishan Alam added 17 before falling in the seventh over. But the early momentum faded as the middle order failed to produce a long partnership.
With 18 needed from the final over, Bangladesh still had a chance. Yasir Ali lifted hopes with a powerful six off the second ball. But Sri Lanka held their nerve, bowling four dot balls before Yasir was run out attempting a desperate single on the final delivery. Bangladesh ended on 153 for six.
Despite the loss, Bangladesh finished as Group A leaders on net run rate, ahead of Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. They now prepare for a high-stakes semi-final against India on Friday. Cricket fans are already marking the fixture as one of the tournament’s most anticipated encounters.