5 Most Shocking Upsets of Asia Cup History

2. Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (2012)

In the 2012 Asia Cup, Bangladesh performed outstandingly at their home, qualifying for the final for the first time in the history of the tournament. During the competition, they looked confident in the group round and shook India and Sri Lanka’s campaigns with their victories against both quality sides.

Playing the last match of the group stage, Bangladesh were required to beat the star-studded Sri Lanka team to join Pakistan in the final. Winning the toss, Bangladesh skipper Mushfiqur Rahim elected to field first. Nazmul Hossain wreaked havoc on Sri Lanka’s top order, sending illustrious names like Mahela Jayawardene, Kumara Sangakkara, and Tilakaratne Dilshan back to the pavilion within 10 overs.

However, Chamara Kapugedera had a couple of essential partnerships with Lahiru Thirimane and Upul Tharanga to help Sri Lanka accumulate 232 runs in 49.5 overs. Bangladesh got a revised target of 212 in 40 overs (DLS method) following a rain interruption. 

Chasing the total, Nazimuddin, Jahurul Islam, and captain Mushfiqur Rahim fell early but Tamim Iqbal (59 off 57) and Shakib Al Hasan (56 off 46) kept Bangladesh alive in the match. After Iqbal and Shakib’s dismissals, Nasir Hossain and Mahmuddulah took the responsibility to take their side home with their match-finishing knocks of 36* (61) and 32* (33). In the Bangla team’s five-wicket win, Shakib became the Player of the Match for his half-century and a 2/56 spell.