Published Jun 8, 2024, 1:50 pm IST
In an exhilarating T20 World Cup 2024 clash, Bangladesh emerged victorious over arch-rivals Sri Lanka, clinching a nail-biting two-wicket win at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.
Bangladesh’s captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, won the toss and opted to bowl first. This decision was crucial as it set the tone for the match. Opting to field first allowed Bangladesh to exploit the early morning conditions, which seemed to favor the bowlers.
Sri Lanka’s innings was a tale of two halves. They got off to a brisk start, thanks to Pathum Nissanka’s aggressive batting. However, the early dismissal of Kusal Mendis in the third over and Kamindu Mendis shortly after disrupted their momentum. Nissanka’s 47 off 28 balls was the highlight of their innings, featuring some exquisite shots.
Despite the promising start, Sri Lanka struggled in the middle overs. After Nissanka’s dismissal in the ninth over, they faced a continuous fall of wickets, eventually managing only 124/9 in their 20 overs. The last ten overs saw them score just 50 runs while losing six wickets, underscoring their struggles against Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack.
Pathum Nissanka was undoubtedly the star of Sri Lanka’s batting lineup. His 47 runs came off just 28 deliveries, providing a solid foundation for his team. However, the lack of substantial contributions from other batsmen left Sri Lanka with a below-par total.
Rishad Hossain emerged as the standout bowler for Bangladesh, marking his first World Cup appearance with an impressive 3/22 in four overs. His control and variations troubled the Sri Lankan batsmen throughout their innings.
Mustafizur Rahman complemented Rishad’s efforts with a sensational performance, taking three crucial wickets for just 17 runs. Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib also played their parts effectively, ensuring Sri Lanka never got away in the later stages.
Bangladesh’s chase began on a shaky note, losing two wickets in the first two overs. The early dismissals put them under significant pressure, and the situation worsened when captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was dismissed in the sixth over, leaving Bangladesh at a precarious 28/3.
In came Towhid Hridoy, whose aggressive approach turned the game around. He scored a quickfire 40 off just 20 balls, hitting four sixes and one four. His innings injected much-needed momentum into the chase, taking the pressure off the other batsmen.
While Hridoy played the aggressor, Litton Das anchored the innings with a composed 36 off 38 deliveries. His steady batting ensured Bangladesh stayed on course despite the early setbacks. Together, Hridoy and Das added 63 runs off 38 balls, steering Bangladesh to a strong position.
Just when it seemed Bangladesh would cruise to victory, they faced a startling middle-order collapse. From 91/3 in the 12th over, they lost five wickets for just 22 runs, falling to 113/8. This sudden fall of wickets brought Sri Lanka back into the game, making for a tense finish.
Amidst the chaos, Mahmudullah held his nerve, scoring an unbeaten 16 off 13 balls. His calm presence at the crease ensured Bangladesh reached the target with an over to spare. Tanzim Hasan Sakib supported him well, adding valuable runs at the end.
This victory is significant for Bangladesh as it boosts their confidence and strengthens their position in Group D. For Sri Lanka, the loss complicates their path to the Super Eight, making their upcoming matches must-wins.
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