Bangladesh 'A' team faced elimination from the Emerging Asia Cup following a dramatic 19-run defeat to Sri Lanka 'A.'
After starting the tournament with a victory over Hong Kong, Bangladesh could not maintain their momentum, losing their second match to Afghanistan 'A.' A win against Sri Lanka would have secured a semifinal spot, but the loss marked the end of their campaign.
With this victory, Sri Lanka advanced to the semifinals alongside Afghanistan, both finishing with four points from three matches. Sri Lanka topped Group 'A' due to a superior net run rate, while Bangladesh concluded the tournament in third place with only two points.
In a match held in Al Amerat, Sri Lanka batted first, starting aggressively despite losing some momentum midway. A crucial 64-run partnership between Pawan Ratnayake and Sahan Arachchige for the fourth wicket helped the team set a competitive total of 161 for 7. Pawan was the standout performer with 42 runs, while Sahan contributed 30.
For Bangladesh, bowlers Ripon Mondol and Rejaur Rahman Raja each claimed two wickets, providing crucial breakthroughs.
Chasing a target of 162, Bangladesh began strongly with aggressive batting from Saif Hassan and Parvez Hossain Emon, who put together 41 runs in just 22 balls. Emon scored 24 off 10 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes before getting dismissed.
Saif accelerated the innings but retired hurt after scoring 29 off 20 balls during the final over of the powerplay. At 59-0 after six overs, Bangladesh appeared well-positioned for victory.
However, Saif’s departure led to a rapid collapse, with Bangladesh losing wickets at regular intervals as the required run rate climbed. Abu Hider Rony remained unbeaten on 38, but he received little support, and Bangladesh ended their innings at 142-7, with Towhid Hridoy (12) being the only other player to reach double figures.
In the closing moments, Abu Hider tried to keep Bangladesh's hopes alive by hitting three sixes in the last two overs. Controversy erupted in the 18th over when a six he hit off Ehsan Malinga was ruled a dead ball due to field placement before the delivery. Despite protests from Hider and the Bangladesh dugout, the on-field umpire's decision stood, nullifying the six.
To win the match, Abu Hider needed to score 24 runs in the final over, but Bangladesh could manage only 3 runs, sealing their exit from the tournament.
