Sri Lanka, on Thursday, September 1, made their way through to the Super 4 of Asia Cup 2022. The Islanders defeated Bangladesh by two wickets in a Group B clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Bangladesh made as many as three changes in their eleven after a disappointing show against Afghanistan a couple of days ago. They dropped their openers Mohammad Naim Sheikh and Anamul Haque Bijoy and replaced them with Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Although Sabbir got out on five, Mehidy kept the charge going with a quick-fire 26-ball 38. Shakib Al Hasan scored 24 runs and became the second Bangladesh batter to score 6000 T20 runs.
Shakib also became the second after Dwayne Bravo to score 6000 T20 runs and pick up 400 plus wickets in the shortest format. Afif Hossain kept the momentum going in the death overs with a 22-ball knock of 39 before Lahiru Madhushanka accounted for his wicket.
Mahmudullah scored 27, but couldn’t quite step on the gas. Later, it was Mosadeek Hossain Saikat’s unbeaten 9-ball 24 that helped Bangladesh post 183 for seven on the board.
Chamika Karunaratne and Wanindu Hasaranga picked up two wickets apiece. Asitha Fernando, who made his T20I debut, dismissed Sabbir Rahman, but leaked 51 runs off four overs.
Sri Lanka made a promising start to their run-chase after Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka put on 45 for the opening wicket off 33 balls. However, debutant Ebadot Hossain brought Bangladesh into the game with three quick wickets.
Soon after, Taskin Ahmed removed Bhanuka Rajapaksa as Sri Lanka were reduced to 77 for four from 45 for no loss in a space of 21 balls.
Mendis, at the other end, didn’t throw in the towel and notched a half-century off 32 balls. Skipper Dasun Shanaka also lent his decent support under extreme pressure.
The duo put on 54 runs before Mustafizur Rahim got rid of Mendis, who scored 60 off 37 with four fours and three sixes.
Thereafter, Taskin came to the party and got rid of Hasaranga to put more pressure on Sri Lanka. The onus was thereafter on Shanaka to rescue the Sri Lankans.
Shanaka perished after scoring 45 off 33 and from there on, Bangladesh seemed like making a comeback. Shakib pulled off a direct hit to dismiss Karunaratne, who was threatening to take the game away from the Tigers.
But Asitha Fernando churned out some lusty blows as Sti Lanka chased the target down with three balls to spare.
— ENDS —