Sri Lanka’s Kusal Perera continued his brilliant form in the Nidahas Trophy 2018, as the left-hander played a gritty knock of 61 off 40 balls, as well as, added 97 runs along with Thisara Perera (58) for the sixth-wicket partnership. However, all his efforts went in vain as Bangladesh won the match in the last over to face India in the T20I Tri-series final on 22 March.

Chasing 159, Bangladesh made a great start as opener Tamim Iqbal hammered 50 off 45 balls, but then their top order fell down very quickly,.Mahmudullah then came to bat No.6, and rescued the side by blasting 43 not out off 18 balls to register a thrilling 2-wicket win for the Tigers.

Perera lauded Mahmudullah for his match-winning effort and said Thisara’s wicket was a turning point of the match, as well as, regretting to not see the hosts Islanders in the Tri-series final against India.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Kusal Perera said, “He’s a very experienced batsman. He knows what the situation is. He kept rotating the strike and took some calculated risks at the right times. He used his experience and that’s the main thing.”

Meanwhile, the 27-year-old is satisfied with his effort in the Nidahas Trophy. He signed off by saying, “In the tournament, I did really well, but obviously I would like to be in the winning team whether I’m performing or not.”

Unwanted scenes then were seen at the Bangladesh dressing room after the game. One window of their dressing room was damaged. Match referee Chris Broad has demanded an investigation on the issue. 

On Sunday, India and Bangladesh will take on each other in the final of the tournament in Colombo.