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.

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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.

On Tuesday, the International Cricket Council suspended Wanindu Hasaranga for the two-Test series against Bangladesh. The news came just after the Sri Lanka all-rounder decided to make a return to Test cricket after taking retirement from the format last year.

Hasaranga was found guilty of breaching the article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel during the third ODI in the recently concluded series against Bangladesh. The Code relates to, “showing dissent at an Umpire’s decision during an International Match.” It happened in the 37^th over of the game when Hasaranga snatched his cap from one of the umpires and showed disagreement to the umpiring. Bangladesh eventually won the match by four wickets and the series 2-1.

Hasaranga received a 50 percent match-fee fine along with three demerit points for the offense. He was already on five demerit points and the recent three points brought his total demerit points to eight in a 24-month period. According to the article 7.6 of the Code, the eight demerit points have been converted into four suspension points now that equate to a ban from two Tests or four ODIs or T20Is, whatever comes first. Hasaranga will therefore miss the two ICC World Test Championship Tests against Bangladesh.

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Kusal Mendis earned three demerit points

Sri Lanka ODI skipper Kusal Mendis also received three demerit points and a 50 percent match fee fine for a Level 2 offence after he “abused the umpires while shaking hands with them” at the end of the third match.

The incident led to breach the article 2.13 of the Code of Conduct that relates to “Personal abuse of a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire or Match Referee during an International Match.” This was a first offence for Mendis in a 24-month period.

Both players admitted their offences and accepted the proposals by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.

SL vs BAN Match Preview

On Saturday afternoon in Colombo, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will square off in the second game of the Super Fours stage of the 2023 Asia Cup. Sri Lanka won both of their Group B matches, including a victory over Bangladesh, which was also defeated by Pakistan in the first Super Fours match on Wednesday. Sri Lanka advanced to the Super Fours stage with a narrow win over Afghanistan on Tuesday, but they will need to be much better in this match, especially with the bat, against a strong Bangladesh bowling unit. Bangladesh bowled well in their defeat to Pakistan in Lahore, but they need to score more runs at the top of the order if they are to compete in this match.

SL vs BAN Match Details

Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh – Super 4 Match 2

Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium – Colombo

Date & Time: 09th September 2023 at 03:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Fancode App

SL vs BAN Venue Stats

SL vs BAN Pitch Report

The pitch at venue is generally a good wicket to bat on with the ball coming nicely onto the bat. The Spinners are always a key in these conditions and both teams are expected to play with 2-3 spinners.

SL vs BAN Weather Report

There is no chance of rain during the game and a full game of cricket is on cards. 

SL vs BAN Last Five Matches

SL vs BAN Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

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

SL vs BAN Probable Playing XIs:

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs

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

Bangladesh Probable Playing XIs

Mohammad Naim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Shakib Al Hasan (c), Shamim Hossain, Afif Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mehedi Hasan

Topmost Picks for SL vs BAN Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Sri Lanka

• Kusal Mendis – The 28 year old is an excellent international batter and he comes into this match full of confidence after hitting six fours and three sixes in the last game.
• Kasun Rajitha – The 30 year old medium fast bowler will use all his experience and variations at this venue. He dismissed Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah at the top of the order in the last game.

Top Picks – Bangladesh

• Shakib Al Hasan- He is the captain of the team and will contribute with both bat and ball. Shakib scored 32 runs with the bat and went wicketless with the ball in the last game
• Taskin Ahmed- He is their main pacer and will bowl in powerplay and death. Ahmed bowled brilliantly and picked up 4 wickets in the last game.

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

Mushfiqur Rahim, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Mohammad Naim, Dhananjaya de Silva(VC), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib Al Hasan(C), Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Shoriful Islam

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

Mushfiqur Rahim, Kusal Mendis(VC), Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Litton Das, Dhananjaya de Silva, Mehidy Hasan Miraz(C), Shakib Al Hasan, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Taskin Ahmed

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz

Vice-captain – Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis

Wicketkeeper – Mohammad Rizwan

SL vs BAN Probable Winners:

Sri Lanka finished the league stage as the table toppers in Group A. They defeated Nepal by 238 runs, while their match against India ended in a draw. Bangladesh, on the other hand, lost by five wickets to Sri Lanka before defeating Afghanistan by 89 runs in their second match. Bangladesh will be without Najmul Hossain Shanto, who scored a century against Afghanistan, due to a hamstring injury. Considering the team combination, Sri Lanka is expected to win this match.