Sri Lanka edge past Bangladesh in a nerve-wrecker to advance into Super Four stage

Sri Lanka in action against Bangladesh [PC: Twitter]

Riding on fantastic knocks from Kusal Mendis and Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka pipped Bangladesh in a high-scoring thriller in the fifth match of the Asia Cup 2022 to seal their Super four spot. 

Batters’ collective effort help Bangladesh post a massive total

After being put into bat, Bangladesh got off to an undesirable start, losing opener Sabbir Rahman to debutant Asitha Fernando in the third over. However, his dismissal couldn’t affect his opening partner Mehidy Hasan Miraz, as he hammered his way through to a blistering 26-ball 38. 

Mehidy gave Bangladesh a flying start [PC: Twitter]

After Mehidy fell prey to Theekshana, Bangladesh lost experienced Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim in quick time, which left them reeling at 87 for four in 10.3 overs. 

However, veteran batter Mahmudullah and youngster Afif Hossain stitched a match-winning 57-run stand for the fifth wicket, ensuring a healthy total for Bangladesh. Things worsened for Sri Lanka, as Mosaddek Hossain played an outstanding cameo of 24 runs off just nine deliveries, propelling the Tigers to a massive total of 183 runs at the end of 20 overs. 

Chamika Karunaratne was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka, scalping two wickets for 32 runs. 

Sri Lanka hold their nerves to steal a memorable victory

In reply, Sri Lanka got off to a flier, with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis adding 45 runs in 5.3 overs for the first wicket. However, Ebadot Hossain wreaked havoc in the hosts’ camp by dismissing Nissanka, Asalanka and Gunathilaka in his first two overs. 

Mendis hit a fine fifty [PC: Twitter]

Then, skipper Dasun Shanaka and Kusal Mendis steadied the ship for the hosts, forming a vital 54-run partnership for the fifth wicket. While Mendis managed a flamboyant 37-ball 60, Shanaka contributed 45 runs off 33 balls. 

After these two got out, Chamika Karunaratne tried his best to win the game for Sri Lanka. But Shakib hit the bull's eye to dismiss him and set the tone for a final over drama. Then, Asitha Fernando held his nerve to hit six runs off two balls to seize the day for Sri Lanka. 

Although Ebadot scalped three wickets, he went for 51 runs in his four overs. 

Brief Scores

Bangladesh: 183/7 (20)
Afif Hossain 39 (22), Mehidy Hasan Miraz 38 (26);
Chamika Karunaratne 2/32 (4), Wanindu Hasaranga 2/41 (4)

Sri Lanka: 184/8 (19.2)
Kusal Mendis 60 (37), Dasun Shanaka 45 (33);
Ebadot Hossain 3/51 (4), Taskin Ahmed 2/24 (4)

Sri Lanka won by two wickets. 

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