Bangladesh Reach Semi-finals Despite Six-run Defeat

Bangladesh A had already placed one foot in the semi-finals of the Rising Stars Asia Cup after securing two emphatic victories in their opening group matches. As a result, the pressure was noticeably lighter heading into their final group fixture against Sri Lanka A in Doha. Despite a spirited chase, the Bangladeshi side fell short by six runs at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium.

The defeat, however, made little difference to the group standings. With all three sides—Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan—finishing on four points each, Bangladesh topped Group A on net run rate and advanced to the semi-finals. They will face India on Friday in what many observers consider an early showdown between two of the strongest teams of the tournament. The second semi-final, scheduled for the same day, features Sri Lanka against Pakistan.

Chasing a target of 160, Bangladesh started aggressively, scoring 29 runs inside the opening three overs. Opener Habibur Rahman struck a quick 27 off 14 balls before falling to the first delivery of the fourth over. Fellow opener Zishan Alam departed for 17 off 16 in the seventh over, leaving the side at 60 for two.

The middle order failed to build on the early momentum. Jawad Abrar (26) and captain Akbar Ali (25) both got starts but could not convert them into match-winning contributions. The final over began with Bangladesh needing 18 runs. A six from Yasir Ali off the second delivery gave a glimmer of hope, but the next four balls yielded no runs from the bat. Four extras helped the total, yet a run-out off the final ball ended Bangladesh’s challenge at 153 for six.

Earlier, Sri Lanka’s innings was anchored by Sahan Arachchige, who struck an impressive 69 off 49 deliveries before falling in the final over. Sri Lanka posted a competitive 159 for seven, with Ripon Mondol and Abu Hider each claiming two wickets.

With the group stage concluded, the stage is set for two high-stakes semi-final contests, with Bangladesh determined to overcome arch-rivals India to book their place in the final.