SL vs BAN Review: Sri Lanka go past Bangladesh to make it to the Super 4
Sri Lankan pulled off a thrilling run chase against Bangladesh to seal their spot in the Super 4 after an enthralling encounter at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday, 1st September. Chasing a stiff target, the Sri Lankan innings ebbed and flowed before the tailenders pulled off an incredible heist to dump Bangladesh out of the tournament.
Dasun Shanaka won the toss and opted to bowl first, and his decision bore instant fruits as they saw off Sabbir Rahman cheaply in the third over of the match. But Mehidy Hasan, who was promoted to the top of the order, proved his worth, smashing 38 runs off 26 deliveries, providing the much-needed impetus to the Bangladeshi innings.
A mini-collapse in the middle overs arrested Bangladesh’s progress before Afif Hossain and Mahmudullah counter-attacked with a brisk partnership for the fifth wicket. Though the momentum shifted hands once again as both the batters were dismissed in quick succession, before Mosaddek Hossain and Taskin Ahmed provided some lusty blows at the death to take Bangladesh’s total to 183.
Sri Lanka, in pursuit of the challenging total, were off the blocks in the powerplay before the dismissal of Pathum Nissanka in the sixth over. Although wickets kept tumbling at one end, Kusal Mendis lived a charmed life at the crease and found valiant support from skipper Dasun Shanaka. But with 26 runs still needed for the islanders, Shanka fell in the 18th over, putting Bangladesh in the driver’s seat.
But the momentum changed once again in the 19th over, for the final time in the match, as Sri Lankan batters yielded 17 runs off the penultimate over to effectively tilt the match in their favor. The match met with an anti-climactic end as Sri Lanka won via an extra run from a no-ball in the final over.
Top Performers of the game
Taskin Ahmed
The Bangladeshi quick has often been the weak link in the bowling line-up, but he was the star with the ball for the Bangladesh team in the must-win match against Sri Lanka. Taskin bowled exceptionally well to return with bowling figures of 2/24 in his four overs and also contributed in the field with a sensational catch.
Kusal Mendis
The outcome of the match would have been much different had Bangladesh gotten rid of Kusal Mendis earlier. The eye-pleasing stroke maker was the rock for the Sri Lankan team and it was his innings that took Sri Lanka close to the target before the lower order finished things off in spectacular fashion.
What next for the two teams?
Sri Lanka have qualified for the Asia Cup 2022 Super 4 from Group B, while it is the end of the road for the Bangladeshi team in the tournament.
