In the ongoing first T20I between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh’s Shoriful Islam emerged as the center of attention. The competition between the two teams has intensified, with Shoriful Islam seizing every opportunity to playfully needle the opposition. Following his dismissal of Avishka Fernando, Shoriful Islam couldn’t resist taunting Sri Lanka with a cheeky imitation of the timed-out celebration.

Sparking Controversy: The Timed-Out Dismissal Incident

The moment occurred during the second ball of the innings when Shoriful Islam delivered a fuller-length ball outside off stump. Avishka Fernando, attempting a forceful drive, only managed to edge the ball, resulting in an easy catch for wicketkeeper Litton Das. While the dismissal itself was routine, Shoriful Islam’s post-wicket antics drew widespread attention. His mocking gesture, reminiscent of Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews’ dismissal during the ICC World Cup 2023 game against Bangladesh, added an extra layer of amusement to the match.

In that game, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan had famously appealed for a timed-out dismissal against Mathews, who faced delays due to a broken helmet strap, sparking controversy and banter alike.

However, the Bangladesh skipper’s request for a timed-out dismissal didn’t sit well with everyone, as the decision was made to give the batter out. Angelo Mathews was visibly angered by this turn of events, sparking a high-intensity battle between the two teams. Since then, both sides have spared no effort in exchanging verbal volleys and competitive jibes, adding fuel to their ongoing rivalry.

Shoriful Islam leaks 47 runs in his 4 overs as Sri Lanka amass a colossal total of 206 runs

In the ongoing match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, the island nation made an explosive start with the bat, posting an imposing total on the scoreboard. Led by Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka opted to bat first, capitalizing on favorable batting conditions.

Following Avishka Fernando’s departure, Kusal Mendis anchored the innings, crafting a splendid half-century with 59 runs off 36 deliveries. Kamindu Mendis provided valuable support with a contribution of 19 runs, consolidating the middle order.

However, the real onslaught came from Sadeera Samarawickrama (61) and skipper Charith Asalanka (44). The pair launched a ferocious assault on the Bangladesh bowlers, ruthlessly dismantling the opposition’s attack. Their unbeaten partnership of 73 runs off just 33 balls propelled Sri Lanka to a commanding total of 206 runs on the scoreboard.

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The Bangladesh bowlers endured a tough outing, with Shoriful Islam claiming one wicket but conceding 47 runs. Taskin Ahmad managed to secure a wicket as well, while Rishad Hossain also contributed with a dismissal. However, Bangladesh faced a challenging start in their chase, losing early wickets and feeling the pressure.

Angelo Mathews emerged as the standout performer among the bowlers in the game, having picked up two crucial wickets. Matheesha Pathirana and Binura Fernando also made valuable contributions, each chipping in with one wicket apiece.

Bangladesh have brought in Soumya Sarkar and Shoriful Islam to replace Mohammad Saifuddin and Sabbir Rahman in their T20 World Cup squad. All four members were part of the team that played the recently concluded tri-series in New Zealand, and although Bangladesh lost all four matches, their technical consultant Sridharan Sriram insisted that there were positives.

Soumya and Shoriful’s inclusions in the T20 World Cup squad seemed on the cards given their performance was marginally better than the other two who will now make their way back home from Christchurch. Soumya’s scores of 23 and 4 were enough for a team management, that includes Sriram, team director Khaled Mahmud and captain Shakib Al Hasan, to pick him. Soumya hadn’t been picked for Bangladesh in any format since a poor outing in last year’s T20 World Cup. He made 164 runs at a strike rate of 109.33 in last season’s BPL during this break.

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Bangladesh added 2 players as they have to sacrifice few due to injury

Bangladesh have also sacrificed the only pace-bowling allrounder they had in the squad, axing Saifuddin who has not been able to live up to his potential since his comeback in the Asia Cup in late August. Shoriful steps into his place, even though he hasn’t set the world alight in his last few T20I appearances. He will partner another fast bowler who has been enduring a dip in form, Mustafizur Rahman.

Bangladesh head to Brisbane on Saturday where they will face Afghanistan (October 17) and South Africa (October 19) in two warm-up games. Their T20 World Cup campaign begins with a match against one of the first-round qualifiers in Hobart on October 24.

Bangladesh T20 World Cup squad: Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Soumya Sarkar, Litton Das, Afif Hossain, Yasir Ali, Mosaddek Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain