BAN vs SL | Sri Lanka rout Bangladesh to claim series as Asitha Fernando bags ten wickets

Sri Lanka annihilated hosts Bangladesh on Day 5 of the decider at Mirpur on Friday, May 27. Resuming at 34-4, the home side succumbed further to become 53-5 but endured some revival in the form of crucial half-centuries from all-round legend Shakib Al Hasan and wicketkeeper-batsman Liton Das. The duo shared a 103-run stand and helped Bangladesh avoid an innings defeat.

With Das’ dismissal, the Mominul Haque-led side lost their final five wickets for just 13 runs as the visitors were shot out for 169, thus managing a lead of just 28 runs. Touring speedster Asitha Fernando claimed career-best figures of 6-51 while Kasun Rajitha took 2-40.

Sri Lankan openers Oshada Fernando and captain Dimuth Karunaratne, who recorded dazzling half-centuries in the first innings, overhauled their target in just three overs. Fernando initiated the aggressive onslaught by a 9-ball 21*. The right-hander managed to entertain one-and-all in a modest run-chase by clubbing three boundaries and a six during his short stay at the middle.

The win by Sri Lanka also means that Karunaratne’s side claimed the series 1-0 after the opening Test match ended in a draw.

Brief Scores:

Bangladesh: 365 all out (1st innings)

Mushfiqur Rahim 175*, Liton Das 141;

Kasun Rajitha 5/64, Asitha Fernando 4/93

Sri Lanka: 506 all out (1st innings)

Angelo Mathews 145*, Dinesh Chandimal 124;

Shakib Al Hasan 5/96, Ebadot Hossain 4/148

Bangladesh: 169 all out (2nd innings)

Shakib Al Hasan 58, Litton Das 52;

Asitha Fernando 6/51, Kasun Rajitha 2/40

Sri Lanka: 29-0 (2nd innings)

Oshada Fernando 21*, Dimuth Karunaratne 7*

Sri Lanka won by ten wickets, sealing the series 1-0