The chess in chase: Asia Cup T20 thrillers where bowlers won the day

Soumyajit Dutta

Teams that defended low totals in Asia Cup T20Is [Source: @komu_currey/X.com]Teams that defended low totals in Asia Cup T20Is [Source: @komu_currey/X.com]

The Men’s T20I Asia Cup has consistently served as a stage for thrilling cricketing contests, but some of its most gripping encounters have been tense, low-scoring affairs. While batters often grab the limelight, these matches are won through the collective will of the bowling attack, turning a modest score into a formidable challenge. 

From Sri Lanka's record-setting narrow escape to Pakistan's recent gritty Super Fours victory against Bangladesh, the history of the T20I Asia Cup is rich with examples of teams holding their nerve against the odds. Here's the top 5 defences by teams in the tournament.

5) 147/7 - Bangladesh against Sri Lanka

In the 2016 Asia Cup clash at Mirpur on February 28, Bangladesh defended a modest 147/7 against Sri Lanka with grit and discipline. Sabbir Rahman’s sparkling 80 off 54 balls gave Bangladesh a fighting total after early wickets. Sri Lanka looked steady at 76/1, but the middle order collapsed under pressure. 

Shakib Al Hasan (2/21) struck crucial blows, while Al-Amin Hossain (3/34) cleaned up the lower order. Mustafizur Rahman’s tight spell (1/19) ensured runs dried up in the middle overs. Despite Dinesh Chandimal’s 37, Sri Lanka faltered to 124/8 in 20 overs, falling short by 23 runs. 

4) 146/9 - Pakistan against UAE

In the current edition of Asia Cup, during a Group A clash at Dubai on September 17, Pakistan defended 146/9 against the United Arab Emirates with a strong all-round show. Fakhar Zaman’s fluent 50 anchored the innings, but it was Shaheen Shah Afridi’s late cameo of 29* off 14 balls that lifted Pakistan to a competitive total. Junaid Siddique starred for UAE with 4/18, keeping Pakistan in check. 

In reply, UAE faltered despite Rahul Chopra’s steady 35, losing wickets regularly. Shaheen (2/16) struck early, while Abrar Ahmed (2/13) and Haris Rauf (2/19) tightened the grip. Saim Ayub also chipped in with a wicket, leaving UAE bowled out for 105 in 17.4 overs, as Pakistan sealed a 41-run victory.

3) 135/8 - Pakistan against Bangladesh

In the Asia Cup Super Four match between Pakistan and Bangladesh at Dubai on September 25, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 11 runs in the do-or-die match. Pakistan posted 135/8 in 20 overs, with crucial contributions from Mohammad Haris (31 off 23) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (19 off 13). 

Bangladesh struggled to keep up despite a fighting 30 from Shamim Hossain, ultimately finishing at 124/9. Shaheen Shah Afridi starred with both bat and ball, claiming 3 wickets for 17 runs and earning Player of the Match honours. Pakistan’s disciplined bowling, led by Afridi and Haris Rauf (3/33), ensured they held off Bangladesh to secure a vital Super Fours win for the ticket to the finale.

2) 133/8 - Bangladesh against UAE

On February 26, 2016, in Mirpur, Bangladesh successfully defended 133/8 against the United Arab Emirates in the Asia Cup group stage. Mohammad Mithun’s 47 and Mahmudullah’s unbeaten 36 lifted the Tigers to a modest total. UAE’s bowlers, led by Mohammad Naveed (2/12) and Amjad Javed (2/34), had kept Bangladesh in check. However, the chase quickly collapsed under Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling. 

Mustafizur Rahman (2/13) and Mashrafe Mortaza (2/12) struck early, while Mahmudullah (2/5) and Shakib Al Hasan (2/20) tightened the screws in the middle overs. Despite Muhammad Usman’s fighting 30, UAE folded for 82 in 17.4 overs, handing Bangladesh a 51-run victory. 

1) 129/8 - Sri Lanka against UAE

Sri Lanka, however, tops the list when it had arguably the most lethal bowlers in the world. On February 25, 2016, in Mirpur, Sri Lanka defended a modest total of 129/8 against the United Arab Emirates in the Asia Cup group stage. Dinesh Chandimal’s 50 guided the Lankans to a competitive score, while UAE bowlers, particularly Amjad Javed (3/25) and Mohammad Naveed (2/27), kept the pressure on. 

However, Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling, led by Lasith Malinga (4/26) and Nuwan Kulasekara (3/10), triggered a batting collapse. Despite Swapnil Patil’s 37, UAE could only muster 115/9 in 20 overs, falling short by 14 runs. Notably, Malinga’s four-wicket haul earned him Player of the Match.