Chasing 169, Bangladesh crossed the line with one ball to spare, thanks to half-centuries from Saif Hassan (61 off 45) and Towhid Hridoy (58 off 37).
Earlier, Sri Lanka had been well set for a bigger score but were pegged back by incisive death bowling. Mustafizur Rahman (3/20) delivered a game-changing 19th over, while Taskin Ahmed (1/37) kept his nerve in the final over of the first innings to restrict them to 168/7.
Former captain Dasun Shanaka top-scored with 64 off 37, his first T20I fifty since January 2023.
Reflecting on the win, Litton credited the bowlers for keeping Sri Lanka below par and highlighted Saif Hassan’s impact in UAE conditions.
“We all know how dangerous Mustafizur is. His 19th over and Taskin’s 20th changed the game. It looked like 190 but they kept it down. Taskin bowled a really good final over,” Litton said.
“I know Saif can win games for Bangladesh. We all knew he’s going to be a good player in UAE. I know his character and I know how he scores runs.”
Saif gave Bangladesh early momentum with clean hitting in the Powerplay, while Hridoy’s measured acceleration carried them deep into the chase. Litton himself contributed 23 off 16 before falling in the sixth over.
The captain urged his side to stay focused despite the morale-boosting win:
“Whenever you chase down like this, you are pumped up for the next game. But we have to come again- new day, new team and we have to play our A game.”
