Sixes Against His Mother’s Country — Saif Hassan in a New Role

Saif Hassan’s father is Bangladeshi and his mother is Sri Lankan. But in the Asia Cup Super Four, it was his aggressive batting that humbled his mother’s country, Sri Lanka. With a blistering 36-ball 62, the former Test opener unveiled a new version of himself. His return to the Bangladesh team came through T20 cricket, starting with the home series against the Netherlands in Sylhet. Then came the Asia Cup, where he once again showcased his rhythm with the bat. Now, it seems as though Saif was born for T20 cricket!

The start was tough. Bangladesh lost their first wicket for just 1 run, leaving the innings in early trouble. From there, Saif built a 59-run partnership off 34 balls with captain Litton Das (23). After Litton’s dismissal, Saif took charge alongside Towhid Hridoy, adding another fifty-plus stand — 54 runs off 45 balls.

The highlight of Saif’s batting? A rapid 62 off just 36 deliveries, including 4 sixes and 2 boundaries — an attacking innings that could well mark a turning point in his career.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Saif reflected on his batting, sharing his experience of playing against Sri Lanka, and shedding light on his strengths and plans at the crease.

That 36-ball 62 came against his mother’s homeland, Sri Lanka — though Saif has yet to visit his maternal home. Born in Saudi Arabia, where his father worked, Saif’s parents met and married there. He too was born there. Drawn by cricket, he eventually returned to his father’s country, Bangladesh, during his teens. After progressing through the age-level system, he earned a place in the national team and even featured in Test cricket. Though he has toured Sri Lanka with the team, he has never personally explored his mother’s homeland.

Though he couldn’t quite leave a mark in Test cricket, Saif has redefined himself in T20s. His 36-ball 62 against Sri Lanka is proof of that transformation. Once a Test opener, he is now shaping into a genuine T20 batter.

On his innings against Sri Lanka, Saif said, “My mother’s family is in Sri Lanka, but I’ve never been there. I don’t go. But yes, today’s innings was definitely something special. Alhamdulillah, I’m happy to contribute to the team. Hopefully, I can do even better in the future.”

After Tanzid Hasan Tamim’s early dismissal in the first over, Saif was joined at the crease by Litton. Together, they built a 54-run stand. In the past, Bangladeshi batters often retreated into their shells when wickets fell early. But this time was different. What were the conversations between the two at that point?

On his partnership with Litton, Saif said, “After losing that early wicket, we discussed counter-attacking. There wasn’t a very specific plan, but we had an understanding against the bowlers. Litton da could read what was coming next, and he was sharing that with me. I was trying to play accordingly. Alhamdulillah, it worked.”

And what about their plan during the Powerplay? How does a batter decide which bowler to target or which over to go after?

The young batter explained, “Since there are restrictions on fielders in the Powerplay, I always try to play aggressively. As a team, we plan before the match. We prepare separate strategies for each bowler. Everyone tries to execute according to their own strengths.”

Saif has developed a reputation for his six-hitting ability. In this innings, his 62 off 36 balls included 4 sixes and just 1 four. His aggressive batting against spinners was also notable — two of his sixes came against spinner Dunith Wellalage. Where does that power come from, and how has he worked on it?

He said, “I’ve been working on it for a long time, and now I’m seeing the results. Against spin, I usually try range-hitting. My strength is playing straight with the bat and targeting the sidescreen. I try to play with the skin (clean contact with the ball).”

His 54-run partnership with Towhid Hridoy was another vital phase of the game. Hridoy played a fine innings of 58 off 37 balls. Before this knock, runs hadn’t come for him, and when they did, they weren’t really T20-standard. He faced heavy criticism for that. But today, he returned to form — with Saif at the other end as a witness. Even after Saif’s dismissal, Hridoy took control of the match.

Speaking about Hridoy, Saif said at the press conference, “He is definitely a world-class player. The team has been backing him. And today, he showed what kind of player he is! InshAllah, he will achieve even greater things for Bangladesh.”