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They gave me two chances and it helped to chase down the total: Kusal Mendis


image-l7jfwwpuKusal Mendis slams 60 runs off 37 balls (PC: Twitter)

Sri Lanka pulled off a heist against Bangladesh to confirm a place in the Super Four. The wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis played a leading role to steer the island nation to a two-wicket victory. 

Bangladesh dominated the game for the major time but undisciplined bowling towards the end ended the team’s hope for the next round.

Chasing the mammoth score of 184, Sri Lanka were in trouble early in the second innings. The team was quickly reduced to 77/4 in 8.5 overs as Ebadot Hossain and Taskin Ahmed produced a masterclass. However, Mendis scripted a comeback for his team with calculative and ferocious batting.

Opening the innings alongside Pathum Nissanka, the wicketkeeper-batter played a match-defining knock of 60 runs. His inning was laced with four boundaries and three maximums at a strike rate of 162.16. Though Mendis deserves all the credit for his fabulous performance, the batter benefited from two lifelines.


Kusal Mendis given two lifelines by Bangladesh

The 27-year-old was backed by luck at the Dubai International Stadium. On the last ball of the seventh over, Mahedi Hasan was successful in tempting Mendis to go for a slog shot. The batter misjudged and the ball ended in the safe hands of the wicketkeeper. However, Hasan made a blunder by overstepping, and it was declared a no-ball.

Bangladesh provided another easy lifeline to Mendis in the 11th over. The miscommunication between Dasun Shanaka and the wicketkeeper had almost put an end to the latter’s brilliant inning. However, the fielder messed up the chance of a run-out. Two big blunders cost Shakib Al Hasan’s side the match as the keeper won the Man of the Match award.


The wicketkeeper relfets on his innings

Speaking about his innings, the opening batter reflected on how he has been working hard on his game for the last six months. He also spoke about the two chances that helped him take his team home

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Mendis said,

"I played my natural game. Took my time in the first two overs. I wanted to finish the game. The no balls helped me. They gave me two chances and it helped my team chase down the total. I’m practicing hard in Sri Lanka for the last six months. I’m everyday learning and I do everything I can to contribute to the team’s wins. A big thank you to the fans for your support."


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