Vishmi Gunaratne’s impressive half-century guided Sri Lanka to a comfortable 7 wicket victory over Bangladesh in Dambulla. Sri Lanka chased down the modest target of 112 runs with 17 balls remaining, showcasing their batting strength. Despite early setbacks, Sri Lanka maintained control throughout the game and achieved a smooth win.

Bangladesh’s early struggles

Bangladesh faced a tough start, losing four crucial wickets during the powerplay. This early collapse set them back significantly, forcing them to play catch up for the rest of the match. Although they made some progress in the middle overs and had a spirited finish, it wasn’t sufficient to alter the outcome. Sri Lanka, despite losing their captain during the innings, managed to handle the modest target with ease.

Bangladesh’s performance

Early wickets in Powerplay

Bangladesh began their innings with a boundary from Dilare Akter but quickly fell into trouble. Udeshika Prabodhani and Inoshi Priyadharshini took control with early breakthroughs, dismissing four top order batsmen. The team struggled as they lost key players like Ishma Tanjim and Rubya Haider without scoring, putting them on the back foot early in the match.

Sultana’s fight back in middle overs

Nigar Sultana played aggressively after the powerplay, scoring boundaries and attempting to build a stable innings. Her effort was crucial as Bangladesh sought to recover from the early losses. Chamari Athapaththu’s key wicket of Shorifa Khatun in the 11th over slowed down Bangladesh’s progress and allowed Sri Lanka to regain control of the match.

Sultana and Shorna finish strong in death overs

In the final overs, Sultana and Shorna Akter provided a late surge for Bangladesh. Shorna hit three consecutive boundaries in the 18th over, helping Bangladesh surpass the 100-run mark. Nigar Sultana continued the momentum with boundaries in the last over, but their late efforts were not enough to secure a win.

Sri Lanka’s Performance

Athapaththu falls after a solid start in powerplay

Sri Lanka’s innings started slowly, but Chamari Athapaththu made a significant impact with a six and a boundary, signaling a strong chase. Despite a steady start, Athapaththu was dismissed in the last over of the powerplay, but the damage was already done. Her contribution provided a solid foundation for the chase.

Gunaratne and Samarawickrama drive the chase in middle overs

Sri Lanka’s chase was well-managed by Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama. The pair combined effectively, with Gunaratne scoring a half-century before being dismissed. Their partnership added 54 runs for the second wicket, keeping Sri Lanka on track to chase down the target comfortably. Gunaratne’s aggressive batting, especially against Sultana Khatun, was pivotal in controlling the chase.

Samarawickrama seals the Win in death overs

As Sri Lanka approached victory, Harshitha Samarawickrama took charge in the 17th over, hitting several boundaries and accelerating the chase. Although Bangladesh managed to get her out for 33, the game was already in Sri Lanka’s favor. Dilhari’s boundary in the final over sealed the win for Sri Lanka, capping off a successful chase.

Player of the Match (Vishmi Gunaratne)

“I am enjoying this year. This one makes more special because my family is here. I would like to thank my parents, sister. Enjoyed batting with my captain. Pitch is good for batting and easy to chase down the score. I had to work on my reverse sweep. Moving forward, I want to get this right.”

Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024 group B points table:

Cricket is a game known for its moments of brilliance and occasional oddities. On Day 3 of the second Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Dhaka, viewers witnessed one such bizarre incident that left many scratching their heads.

Description of the Incident

In the 21st over of the second innings, with Prabath Jayasuriya at the crease, Bangladesh was tightening the screws on Sri Lanka. Having already lost six wickets, the pressure was mounting on the visitors. Hasan Mahmud, the bowler, delivered a length ball that Jayasuriya guided towards the gully.

See Also: Suresh Raina speaks about Dhoni’s retirement

Analysis of the Incident

Instead of the usual one or two fielders giving chase, a total of five fielders were seen running after the ball. It was an unprecedented sight, raising eyebrows among spectators and commentators alike. This peculiar tactic was aimed at building pressure on Jayasuriya, who was already facing a daunting task against the Bangladeshi bowling attack.

After this bizarre incident, social media critics hilariously trolled the Bangladeshi fielders. Take a look at the troll:

Overview of the Match Situation

Sri Lanka had dominated the match so far, having taken a commanding lead of 531 runs in the first innings. With such a substantial advantage, they were in a prime position to clinch the series.

On the other hand, Bangladesh faced an uphill battle, especially considering their poor performance with the bat in the series thus far. Chasing over 450 runs was going to be a monumental task for them.

In the final Test against Bangladesh, visitors posted a massive 531 on Day 2 on Sunday, thanks to six batters getting past half-century marks. In response, Bangladesh reached 55/1 at stumps, trailing by 476 runs. Kamindu Mendis scored twin centuries in the first test that Sri Lanka won by a crushing 328 runs.

Bangladesh’s Bowling Performance

Despite the odds stacked against them, Bangladesh’s bowlers showed resilience and determination in the second innings. They managed to put up a commendable performance, restricting Sri Lanka’s scoring opportunities and taking crucial wickets.

Litton Das executed an exceptional run out to dismiss Dasun Shanaka during the third and final T20I clash between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka on Saturday, March 9th, at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

During the last over of the Sri Lankan innings, Shanaka, aiming to capitalize on a shot down the ground off Mustafizur Rahman, sprinted for runs. Despite his efforts, Rishad Hossain’s precise throw to the striker’s end left Shanaka struggling. Despite attempting a desperate dive, Shanaka fell short of the crease. Meanwhile, Litton Das, positioned away from the stumps, swiftly collected Rishad’s throw and instinctively dislodged the bails without even glancing at the wickets, reminiscent of MS Dhoni’s trademark run outs.

Litton Das’s Fielding Brilliance Overshadowed by Batting Struggles

Following Litton’s crucial dismissal of Shanaka, Bangladesh contained Sri Lanka to 174 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs after opting to bowl first on a favorable batting pitch. However, despite Litton’s effort, Bangladesh fell short by 28 runs, conceding the series 1-2.

Despite his consistent performances across formats, Litton Das struggled with the bat in the series against Sri Lanka. Across three matches, he managed just 43 runs at an average of 14.33, with a highest score of 36.

In the third T20I, Litton began his innings with a boundary but was soon dismissed by Dhananjaya de Silva. Attempting to play a shot behind square, Litton could only manage a top edge, which was easily taken by Shanaka at square leg, ending his innings prematurely.

Sri Lanka just managed to edge through in a high-scoring thriller. Bangladesh, though will be very happy with their batting depth and ability to challenge high chases after coming really close in the previous game.

BAN vs SL Match Details

Date: March 6th, 2024

Time:  5:30 PM IST

Venue: Sylhet International Cricket Stadium

BAN vs SL Weather Report

Clear weather is expected throughout the game.

BAN vs SL Pitch Report

Another flat track full of runs is expected. Batting second with dew on offer will be a better option.

BAN vs SL Head-to-Head

BAN vs SL Predicted Playing XI

SL Playing XI

Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeerea Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando

BAN Playing XI

Litton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmadullah, Jake Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman

See Also: Today’s Cricket Match Predictions – Cricket Winner

BAN vs SL Key Players

Jaker Ali

Jaker Ali gave Sri Lanka a massive scare in the first T20I. He is a very good batter in the back end and generates a lot of power, clearing the fence with ease. Genuine ball strikers are something that Bangladesh tends to miss, and they will be happy to have somebody who can do the job for them.

Matheesha Pathirana

After a good first over, Matheesha Pathirana went all over the place. Accuracy, discipline and extras are a massive concern for him. He has the pace, but with accuracy missing, Pathirana remains someone who needs to work on his bowling a lot.

BAN vs SL Match Tips

Both sides were pretty competitive in the first game. Bangladesh though could push themselves here to bring the series level.

Match Prediction: Bangladesh Will Win The Match

BAN vs SL Match Preview

On Monday, Bangladesh will face Sri Lanka in Match 38 of the 2023 Cricket World Cup at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. This game pits ninth against seventh, with both teams having had disappointing tournaments thus far. Bangladesh has not won a game since the competition began, whereas Sri Lanka has won two games but has been defeated in both of their last two matches. Bangladesh were expected to cause a few upsets in this year’s Cricket World Cup, but very few, if any, of their players have lived up to expectations. However, against a Sri Lankan team lacking confidence, this could be a good opportunity to win. Sri Lanka has had a string of injuries over the last few months, forcing them to change their bowling attack on a regular basis. However, their batting has been extremely disappointing, and they must improve for this game or risk losing again.

BAN vs SL Match Details

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka – 38th Match

Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium – New Delhi

Date & Time: 06th November 2023 at 02:00 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar

BAN vs SL Venue Stats

BAN vs SL Pitch Report

This is an excellent batting wicket at the Arun Jaitley Stadium with plenty of pace for the stroke-makers to take advantage of. A par score will be around 360 although there will also be turn for the spinners.

BAN vs SL Weather Report

The forecast calls for warm weather throughout the match, with temperatures ranging from 27 to 32 degrees. Humidity is not expected to be an issue because it will not rise above 40%.

BAN vs SL Last Five Matches

BAN vs SL Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Bangladesh vs Bangladesh, 30th Match – Toss Update, Playing XIs

BAN vs SL Probable Playing XIs:

Bangladesh Probable Playing XIs

Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed. Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs

Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne/Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis (c) (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka

Topmost Picks for BAN vs SL Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Bangladesh

• Litton Das- the 29 year old right-handed opener has already scored two half-centuries in the tournament and contributed another 45 against Pakistan. A big score at the top of the order is needed for his team.
• Shakib Al Hasan- the experienced all-rounder has been out of form with his batting during this campaign whereas his bowling has been consistent. He hit 43 against Pakistan and was economical with the ball.

Top Picks – Sri Lanka

• Pathum Nissanka- the right-handed opener has impressed during this 2023 Cricket World Cup and will be desperate to contribute against Bangladesh after a golden duck to the first ball of the innings last Thursday.
• Dilshan Madushanka – The right-arm medium fast bowler came back into the side and announced himself with 4-50, his best ever ODI bowling figures. He will fancy his chances against a low in confidence Sri Lanka batting side.

BAN vs SL Match Preview

Bangladesh will face Sri Lanka in the final One-Day International (ODI) in an attempt to level the three-match series. The match will take place on September 26 at 1:30 PM IST at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. Bangladesh will be disappointed with their performance in the second One-Day International against Sri Lanka. They bowled well in spurts but were inconsistent. As a result, they gave up 254 runs, which was above par for the wicket. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be pleased with their victory, but they will recognize that they are far from a ruthless team. Ish Sodhi pushed the team to over 250 runs after Henry Nicholls and Tom Blundell scored a few runs. They could have easily gotten out for 200, but that would have been a different story.

BAN vs SL Match Details

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka – Warm-Up Match

Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium – Guwahati

Date & Time: 29th September 2023 at 02:00 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar

BAN vs SL Venue Stats

BAN vs SL Pitch Report

This is an excellent batting pitch that will also provide good pace for quick bowlers. In this match, a par score will be greater than 350.

BAN vs SL Weather Report

The humidity in Guwahati is expected to rise throughout the afternoon, and thunderstorms are possible at some point during the game. For the first half of the game, the temperature will be in the mid-30s.

BAN vs SL Last Five Matches

BAN vs SL Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

BAN vs SL Probable Playing XIs:

Bangladesh Probable Playing XIs

Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana

Topmost Picks for BAN vs SL Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Bangladesh

• Najmul Hossain Shanto – The left-handed 25 year old hit 76 on his return to the team earlier this week against New Zealand and scored 104 and 89 in his previous two innings.
• Shoriful Islam – The left-arm pace bowler has picked up 9 wickets from his last five ODIs for Bangladesh. He will get plenty of swing with the humid conditions in Guwahati.

Top Picks – Sri Lanka

• Kusal Mendis – The keeper-batter was one of only two players in double figures and top scored for Sri Lanka in the heavy Asia Cup Final defeat. He is a remarkably consistent batter.
• Matheesha Pathirana – The 20 year old right-arm fast bowler returned figures of 3-58 against Bangladesh during the Asia Cup. His yorker length deliveries are very hard to keep out.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for BAN vs SL Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis(VC), Mushfiqur Rahim, Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Najmul Hossain Shanto(C), Shakib Al Hasan, Charith Asalanka, Dunith Wellalage, Taskin Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for BAN vs SL Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis, Mushfiqur Rahim, Pathum Nissanka, Dushan Hemantha, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan(C), Charith Asalanka, Dunith Wellalage(VC), Taskin Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan

Vice-captain – Kusal Mendis, Dunith Wellalage

Wicketkeeper – Kusal Mendis

BAN vs SL Probable Winners:

All teams now want to get through their preseason games without injuries while also getting their players in shape, and these two sides will want to do just that in this game. Bangladesh appear to be a little weaker in the batting department, so we predict a win for Sri Lanka. Considering the team combination, Sri Lanka is expected to win this match.

BAN vs SL Match Preview

On Thursday afternoon in Pallekele, Bangladesh will face Sri Lanka in the second match of the 2023 Asia Cup. Sri Lanka currently holds the Asia Cup after defeating Pakistan by 23 runs in the final last year. Bangladesh were eliminated from the group stage after losses to Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. Bangladesh won their most recent ODI, but fell short in the series against Afghanistan last month. They do, however, have a very experienced group of players under Allan Donald’s coaching. Sri Lanka has impressed in the last 18 months under Chris Silverwood’s leadership. They have a consistent lineup and will bet on themselves to win in Kandy.

BAN vs SL Match Details

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka – 2nd Match

Venue: Pallekele Cricket Stadium – Kandy

Date & Time: 30th August 2023 at 03:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Fancode App

BAN vs SL Venue Stats

BAN vs SL Pitch Report

This will be a good cricket wicket, giving batters full value for their shots while also assisting pace and spin bowlers. A par score is approximately 295.

BAN vs SL Weather Report

This game will begins under clear skies and bright sunshine. Throughout the game, the temperature will drop from the high 30s to the low 30s.

BAN vs SL Last Five Matches

BAN vs SL Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

BAN vs SL Probable Playing XIs:

Bangladesh Probable Playing XIs

Linton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs

Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dasun Shanaka (c), Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha

Topmost Picks for BAN vs SL Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Bangladesh

• Mushfiqur Rahim- the vastly experienced batter has more responsibility in this tournament after the injury to Tamim Iqbal. He hit 69 in his last international innings.
• Taskin Ahmed- the 28 year old fast bowler has seen his returns improve a huge amount across all formats with his ODI average down from 30.37 in his career to 19.35 over the last 12 months.

Top Picks – Sri Lanka

• Pathum Nissanka- the right-hander is a very good limited overs player and comes into this tournament after a strong Lanka Premier League campaign.
• Matheesha Pathirana- the 20 year old has played only five international fixtures but big things are expected of him. With an unusual action, he could cause plenty of problems to Bangladesh’s batters.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for BAN vs SL Dream11 Team:

Mushfiqur Rahim, Linton Das, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan(C), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Dhananjaya de Silva(VC), Maheesh Theekshana, Taskin Ahmed

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for BAN vs SL Dream11 Team:

Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das(VC), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka(C), Dimuth Karunaratne, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Matheesha Pathirana, Dhananjaya de Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Taskin Ahmed

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Shakib Al Hasan, Pathum Nissanka

Vice-captain – Dhananjaya de Silva, Litton Das

Wicketkeeper – Litton Das

BAN vs SL Probable Winners:

With Afghanistan as the other team in Group B, both sides will be hoping to advance to the next round of this year’s tournament, but will also be aware that a loss in this game will make it much more difficult. We expect a close match with Bangladesh’s experienced players impressing, but we believe Sri Lanka will have enough quality with bat and ball to win. Considering the team combination, Sri Lanka is expected to win this match.

Two recent rivals kick off the second group and are coming in very depleted. Bangladesh are without Tamim Iqbal and Litton Das leaving them very shaky at the top. Sri Lanka are the most hit though with Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka and Wanindu Hasaranga out leaving them very short on the bowling front.

BAN vs SL Match Details

Date: August 31st, 2023

Time:  3:00 PM IST

Venue: Pallekele

BAN vs SL Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

BAN vs SL Pitch Report

Dew and a flat track make bowling a better option.

BAN vs SL Head-to-Head

Played- 51 | Sri Lanka- 40 | Bangladesh- 9 | NR- 2 | Tie- 0

BAN vs SL Predicted Playing XI

SL Playing XI

Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera/Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Matheesha Pathirana, Kasun Rajitha, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan

BAN Playing XI

Najmal Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Anamul Haque, Mohammad Naim, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Ebadot Hossein

BAN vs SL Key Players

Mushfiqur Rahim

Mushfiqur Rahim is a player who defines longevity. While the likes of Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan missed out, Rahim was a consistent member of the team. With Das out, he will have the added responsibility of wicket-keeping, and Rahim will be ready for yet another challenge in what could be the last phase of his international career.

Maheesh Theekshana

Theekshana has been far from his best in recent months. With Hasaranga out though Theekshana will be stepping up as the leader of the spin attack. He is their only first choice option available and his spells are going to be very important in Sri Lanka’s title defence.

BAN vs SL Match Tips

Picking a favorite between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is a challenge. With Sri Lanka lacking their main bowlers though Bangladesh will have a strong advantage despite missing some experienced batters of their own.

Match Prediction: Bangladesh Will Win the Match

Captain Shakib Al Hasan warned Bangladesh that they should hold their feelings under wraps after rivals Sri Lanka defeated them out of the Asia Cup cricket following a harsh conflict of words. 

Sri Lanka won a do-or-die match in Dubai by two wickets and with four balls to spare on Thursday to move into the Super Four phase of the competition, a preface to the T20 World Cup. Before the clash the two sides exchanged verbal volleys in media meetings with Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka saying Bangladesh lacked top notch bowlers other than Mustafizur Rahman and Shakib.

Bangladesh team captain Khaled Mahmud hit back, saying: 

“I don’t see any (world-class) bowler in Sri Lanka as well… we have at least two.”

The clash of words moved to social media with former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene tweeting:

“Looks like it’s time for (our) bowlers to show the class and batters to show who they are on the field.”

Shakib denied after the loss that ended their Asia Cup hopes that the off-field prattle had impacted them, however admitted his Bangladesh team needed to play more with their heads.

“We are very emotional. That is the other area we need to improve, Keep our emotions on the side and play the way we need to play. More looking to give our head in the game than our heart in the game.”

Shakib said, with the World Cup in Australia on the horizon in October-November

Sri Lanka batsman Bhanuka Rajapaksa offered a peace offering to the Bangladesh players and said Shanaka’s words were misjudged.

“The statement that the captain made, I don’t think he meant any wrong, Of course, when you compare the (dangerous) Afghanistan bowlers, what we meant was we had a slight advantage facing the Bangladeshi bowlers. Like India-Pakistan, Sri Lanka-Bangladesh is also a good rivalry, but we are friends off the field. Some words could hurt the players and hurt the staff. But what the captain meant was not what went through the media.”

Rajapaksa told reporters

 ‘Hook or by crook’ 

After a stormy build-up, Bangladesh posted 183-7, a total their bowlers failed to protect. The Sri Lankan lower-order needed to get 25 runs from the last two overs and acquired from the extra runs which came through wides and no-balls by the opposition bowlers.

Both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh lost their opening matches to Afghanistan, who cruised into the Super Four from the group. Rajapaksa said his team self-isolated after their eight-wicket hammering to Afghanistan – – the team they face again in the following round on Saturday.

“It was quite shameful for us, the 11 who played this game, and we were not expecting to be bowled out for 105. Of course Afghanistan is a pretty decent side when it comes to T20s but after the loss we went into a small shell for a couple of days, but we knew how to overcome that situation.”

said Rajapaksa

ALSO READ: ‘Won’t stay captain for long’: Hafeez on Rohit

The hard-hitting left-hander said Sri Lanka are savouring having another crack at Afghanistan, who have emerged as genuine title-contenders.

“What we planned was to beat Bangladesh by hook or by crook. We managed to win and the motivation that the players have is immense, so going forward into Super Fours it will be quite interesting.”

he said

BAN vs SL, Asia Cup: Sri Lanka 184 for 8 (Mendis 60, Shanaka 45, Ebadot 3-51) beat Bangladesh 183 for 7 (Afif 39, Mehidy 38, Karunaratne 2-32, Hasaranga 2-41) by two wickets

The no-ball alarm was sweet music in Sri Lanka’s ears in Dubai. When Asitha Fernando and Maheesh Theekshana ran two off the third ball of the last over, the TV umpire declared that offspinner Mahedi Hasan had overstepped, fatally, for the second time in the match. Sri Lanka had beaten Bangladesh by two wickets, to progress to the Super 4 phase of the Asia Cup.

It sparked huge celebrations in the Sri Lanka changing area and rounds of chuckling as they couldn’t completely accept that their line of luck in this crunch game. Asitha, on T20I debut, struck two fours in what ended up being the last four wads of the match, prior to stirring things up around town into long-on for the two that made it happen.

Bangladesh had trust when Mahedi dismissed Dasun Shanaka in the eighteenth over after the Sri Lanka chief struck a 33-ball 45 with three fours and two sixes. Then, at that point, came a wavering nineteenth over, bowled by another debutant in Ebadot Hossain, in which Sri Lanka scored 17 runs yet he also lost the perilous Chamika Karunaratne, run out by a Shakib Al Hasan direct hit.

However, it was Sri Lanka’s day, and it appeared to be destined to be so when Kusal Mendis endured four lives while scoring a 37-ball 60. He struck seven boundaries including three sixes, and Bangladesh were left mourning a dropped get, a wicket chalked off when Mahedi bowled a no-ball, a missed run-out, and a review not taken.

Bangladesh had a decent outing with the bat, with Afif Hossain hitting 39 off 22 balls after Mehidy Hasan Miraz, playing his first T20I in quite a while, shook Sri Lanka with an energetic beginning.

Mehidy gamble paid off

Bangladesh sent out Sabbir Rahman and Mehidy Hasan Miraz after debilitating six different opening matches this year. Sabbir was opening for the first time in international cricket, while Mehidy had never opened in T20Is and just a single time in international cricket, in the Asia Cup last a long time back, when the competition was an ODI occasion.

With this backdrop, Sabbir scooped the first ball he confronted, following three years of absence from the top level, to the fine-leg boundary. Mehidy braved Sabbir’s dismissal in the third over, hitting two sixes soon after, one down the ground and one sloped behind the wicket while swinging around on his toes. He hit two fours in the first six overs as well, and Bangladesh hurried to 55 for 1 in the Powerplay.

Wickets keep SL on target

Bangladesh got off to one of their best starts, however Sri Lanka continued to get wickets. Mehidy’s dismissal in the seventh over was trailed by Mushfiqur Rahim’s in the following over, as Chamika Karunaratne inspired one to raise into his face, and his endeavoured skim towards third-man took the shoulder of the bat and just went similarly as wicketkeeper Mendis.

Shakib attempted to move the run-rate along at the other end, hitting three fours off Karunaratne in the tenth over. One of them took him to 6,000 T20 runs, making him only the second cricketer to score this many runs and take more than 400 wickets in the format. But, Maheesh Theekshana eliminated him in his last over, the eleventh, again chopping down Bangladesh’s force when they appeared to be pressing onward.

Afif gives Bangladesh late lift

Mahmudullah and Afif Hossain put on 59 for the fifth wicket, hitting five fours and three sixes between them. Afif struck Hasaranga for a four and a trudge cleared six in the thirteenth over, before Mahmudullah glued a similar bowler in his next over, for another trudge cleared six and a hit back to front, high over extra-cover. Afif pounded Fernando for his second six in the following over, prior to scooping him for four.

Ebadot hits back after brisk opening stand

Sri Lanka’s openers started gradually, scoring only 13 off the first three overs of the pursuit, prior to detonating to life in the fourth and fifth overs, featured by Mendis trudge endlessly clearing Shakib for two sixes and a four off progressive balls. Right when Sri Lanka appeared to be taking off, however, Ebadot Hossain rescued Bangladesh’s powerplay, removing Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka in his first over in T20Is. Both were off short balls. Nissanka, who had struck a six and two fours, only managed to lob-pull a catch to midwicket, while Asalanka’s attempt to clear mid-off found the fielder.

Mendis rides his luck 

Exactly what number of lives might a batter fit into a T20I innings? Ask Mendis. He pulled off four lives in his 37-ball stay. At the point when he was on 2, manager Mushfiqur dropped him off Taskin. Then, in the seventh over, he was caught behind off Mahedi, just for the no-ball alarm to blare around the ground, permitting Mendis to proceed with his innings at 29. In the following over, he swung at an Ebadot delivery that took a touch of the glove. Neither the bowler nor wicketkeeper Mushfiqur made certain of it, and Bangladesh passed up sending it up for a review.

ALSO READ: Parthiv on India Star: “A Player For Whom You Create Space In Team”

Sabbir got another opportunity when Mendis, on 44, and Shanaka got into a mix-up, however he missed the stumps with Mendis essentially a foot short of the crease. Finally, Taskin took a diving catch at third to send Mendis back for 60. Taskin had a fine day, wrapping up with 2 for 24 from four overs separated from taking those two catches, yet his energy didn’t exactly come off in the rest of his team.