The Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka cricket match sparks yet another controversy, offering fans an eventful spectacle. The ongoing second T20I of the three-match series unfolds at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet.

In a pivotal moment during the second innings, Sri Lanka finds themselves in turmoil. On the first delivery of the fourth over, Binura Fernando delivers a skiddy back-of-a-length ball, angling in from around off. Soumya Sarkar attempts a pull shot but fails to make contact.

The DRS Drama: Sarkar’s Controversial Decision Keeps Sri Lanka on Edge

A distinct sound accompanies the ball’s passage to Kusal Mendis, prompting the Sri Lankan team’s appeal and the umpire’s decision to give it out. However, Sarkar vehemently denies making contact and opts for the DRS after consulting his partner, Litton Das.

Upon review by the third umpire, replays indicate a spike. Nevertheless, the official determines there’s a discernible gap between bat and ball. The umpire concludes that the spike occurs post-ball passage, contradicting the Sri Lankan players’ discontent.

Sri Lanka’s Head Coach, Chris Silverwood, expressed intense frustration with the third umpire’s decision. Players like Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Charith Asalanka, and others surrounded the on-field umpires, engaging in lively discussions with visible animation.

Adding insult to injury for Sri Lanka, Soumya Sarkar swiftly followed up with a boundary on the subsequent delivery. The left-handed batsman played a crucial role at the top of the order, spearheading Bangladesh’s valiant pursuit of 166 runs.

Partnering with Litton Das, Sarkar amassed 68 runs for the opening stand, applying relentless pressure on Sri Lanka from the outset. Sarkar contributed 26 runs off 22 balls, while Das ended his innings with a commendable 36 runs off 24 deliveries.

Bangladesh Clinches Victory in Second T20I Against Sri Lanka, Leveling the Series

Following a strong start by Soumya Sarkar and Litton Das, Matheesha Pathirana’s performance for Sri Lanka injected new life into the game. Removing both openers within two overs, he reignited hopes for Sri Lankan fans.

However, the new skipper, Najmul Hossain Shanto (53), and Towhid Hridoy (32), showcased exceptional prowess, steering Bangladesh towards victory. The pair formed an unbroken 87-run partnership, securing an eight-wicket win with two overs to spare. This result leveled the series 1-1, with one match remaining.

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In the first innings, Sri Lanka amassed a total of 165 runs on the scoreboard. Kusal Mendis (36) and Kamindu Mendis (37) provided a solid foundation at the top. Following their dismissals, Charith Asalanka (28), Angelo Mathews (32), and Dasun Shanaka (20) made valuable contributions, propelling the team beyond the 160-run mark.

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