Asia Cup 2023: SL vs BAN Review – Lanka sink Bangladesh further in Super four stage
Bangladesh lost their first match of the Super Four stage of Asia Cup 2023 against Pakistan. Shakib Al Hasan and Co. had to win their game against Sri Lanka on Saturday, September 09 in Colombo to keep their hopes of reaching the finals alive but that did not happen.
The Tigers opted to bowl first after winning the toss. Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne got Sri Lanka off to a flying start before the latter was dismissed off 18 in 17 balls with the score at 34/1 in 5.3 overs. Nissanka and Kusal Mendis formed a watchful partnership of 74 runs to set a solid platform for the hosts. However, they lost four wickets in the space of 56 runs as Bangladesh made a good comeback.
Sri Lanka captain came to the crease and forged a 60-run partnership with Samarawickrama to resurrect the innings. Samarawickrama saw his team lose wickets at the other end but he continued to play some exquisite strokes and was eventually dismissed off the last ball of the innings for a sensational 93 off just 72. Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud were expensive but they picked up three wickets apiece while Shoriful Islam chipped in with a couple of wickets.
In reply, Bangladesh started well as their openers formed a 55-run partnership. However, Shanaka dismissed the two openers in quick succession. The Tigers went from 55/0 to 83/4. Mushfiqur Rahim and Towhid Hridoy formed a decent partnership of 72 runs before the former departed. From this point onwards, Bangladesh kept losing wickets at regular intervals. No batter except Hridoy could occupy the crease for a considerable period of time. When the youngster was dismissed for 97-ball 82, it was all down to the tail to do the heavy-lifting. In the end, Sri Lanka managed to emerge victorious by 21 runs to do the double over Bangladesh.
Best batter of the match
Sadeera Samarawickrama: The right-handed batter played exceptionally well on what was a difficult surface to bat on. He accelerated the scoring, even with wickets falling around him. His sparkling knock of 93 off 72 balls was studded with eight fours and two sixes and some of the shots he played were scintillating to watch.
Best bowler of the match
Dasun Shanaka: The Sri Lankan captain was a cut above the rest with the ball. He finished with outstanding figures of 3/28 in nine overs. He picked up the important wickets of Mohammad Naim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Mushfiqur Rahim.
What’s next for both teams: Bangladesh have one more match remaining in the Super Four stage, against India on Friday, September 15. On the other hand, Sri Lanka will face India on September 12 and Pakistan on September 14.
