Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by two wickets in an ACC T20 Asia Cup 2022 thriller at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday to make it to the Super 4.
Despite having tallied 183 and removing four Lankan batters under 80 runs, the fifth-wicket stand between Kusal Mendis and captain Dasun Shanaka was taking the game away from the Tigers.
It was a total team-effort from the Tigers in all departments. However, it was pacer Ebadot Hossain who had caused the most significant impact in the match by picking up two wickets in his first T20I over, the innings’ sixth, just when the Sri Lanka openers had gained momentum in their chase. Ebadot went on to dismiss the third Lankan batter as well with some fine display of short-pitched bowling.
The Tigers were intent to pile up pressure from then on Mendis’ 37-ball 60 and Shanaka’s 33-ball 45 made sure the asking-rate was around 10 and after the duo got out, the game went till the last over off Mahedi Hasan, with Sri Lanka requiring 8 with two wickets in hand.
Sri Lanka had the last laugh eventually as Mahedi conceded a boundary and bowled a no-ball. Chamika Karunaratne and Asitha Fernando remained unbeaten with cameos of 10-ball 16 and 3-ball 10, respectively.
Taskin, who was outstanding in the field, scalped two wickets while Mustafizur Rahman and Mahedi Hasan Miraz picked one apiece.
Bangladesh bowled eight wide balls and four no balls while the Lankans bowled none.
Bangladesh 183/7 (20) Afif Hossain 39
Sri Lanka 184/8 (19.2) Kushal Mendis 60
Shakib Al Hasan: I think a few poor overs cost us the game. In the last over they were 8 down, but they got there with four balls in hand. That shows we aren’t bowling well in the death, but credit to Sri Lanka for the way they batted. I think Dasun did very well. We wanted to pick wickets early, but the bowlers couldn’t execute their plans and that’s why the spinner bowled the last over. The last six months we haven’t played well, but we have been competitive in these last two games. World Cup will be a different challenge no
Kusal Mendis, Player of the Match: First six overs, I went with my normal game and then the next four overs, I went with my shots. (On the no ball) It was a good option, I got to bat again. I had two chances, so today was my day. I got to 60 runs and did the best for my team. I have had practice in Sri Lanka for the last six months to a year, everyday I am learning and I know what the team wants from my. Thank you very much for the support, Sri Lankan fans!
