T20 World Cup | SL vs BAN: On batsmen's day out, Sri Lanka thump Bangladesh

The Sri Lankan batting unit was on song against Bangladesh in Sharjah on Sunday after it chased down a stiff target of 172 runs by 5 wickets and with more than an over to spare. 

The Lankan lions had an early hiccup after losing Kusal Perera for 1 off three in the very first over but Pathum Nissanka and Charitha Asalanka then steadied the ship for the side and stitched a stand of 69 runs for the second wicket. 

Nissanka was eventually undone by Shakib after he was cleaned up by the spinner for a 21-ball 24. Sri Lanka then lost a couple of wickets in quick succession. While Avishka Fernando was back in the hut without troubling the scorers, Wanindu Hasaranga could only manage to score 6 off 5 before he was dismissed by Saifuddin. 

The Sri Lankan side was in a spot of bother after being reduced to 79/4 in the 10th over but courtesy some fine piece of batting from Asalanka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa and some dismal fielding efforts from Bangladesh, the Dasun Shanaka-led side was back in the game. 

The two batters provided the much-needed resistance and chipped in with a valuable partnership of 86 runs for the fifth wicket. Rajapaksa was eventually sent back to the dug out for a 31-ball 53 that included three maximums and as many fours while Asalanka remained unbeaten at 80 off 49 to see his side home. 

Shakib and Nasum Ahmed picked up a couple of wickets apiece while Saiffudin had one scalp to his name. 

Earlier, in the day, Bangladesh were off to a decent start as openers Naim and Liton Das had put 40 on the board in less than 6 overs for the first wicket. But the Bangla tigers then lost a couple of wickets at quick intervals and were 56/2 when Naim was joined by Mushfiqur Rahim in the middle and the two batsmen joined hands to score 73 for the third wicket. 

Naim went on to struck 62 off 52 before he was caught and bowled by Fernando while Rahim remained not out at a 37-ball 57 as Bangladesh put 171/4 in 20 overs. 

Sri Lanka captain Shanaka lauded Asalanka and Rajapaksa for their knocks. “Not the easiest target to chase. It's all about boundaries. Once the batsman gets set, any target is chaseable. Really important to win the first game. They batted really well. Those knocks are brilliant (Asalanka and Rajapaksa),” he said in the post-match presentation. 

Bangladesh will now lock horns with England in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday while Sri Lanka will be up against Australia in Dubai on Thursday.