Bangladesh played some excellent cricket to dump hosts Sri Lanka from the Nidahas Trophy. Chasing 160 to win, Bangladesh achieved the target for the loss of 8 wickets with a ball to spare, thanks mainly to Mahmudullah who scored 43* in just 18 balls and Tamim Iqbal who made a well compiled 50.
Sri Lanka lost the services of fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep who couldn't bowl a single over after he injured his leg while trying to field a ball. It might well have been the difference in a topsy turvy contest which fluctuated all the way through with both sides having their moments.
Sri Lanka did well to reach 159/7 after losing their first 5 wickets with only 41 runs on the board. Kusal Perera scored 61 while stand-in captain Thisara Perera made 58 off 37 balls.
The match had an ugly finish when Bangladesh complained about a no-ball that wasn't called on the second delivery of the final over. Players from both the sides clashed and Shakib Al Hasan called his batsmen back in, before calmer heads prevailed and the match carried on with Mahmudullah hitting the winning runs. It remains to be seen if ICC will take an action against the players who crossed the line.
Bangladesh will face India in the final on Sunday. Here is how the cricket fraternity reacted to the finish that was an interesting viewing for multiple reasons:
Not impressed by Shakib’s instincts as captain & leader. Wanting to call his players off the field because of umpiring decisions. Nearly denied Bangladesh one of their greatest wins.#NidahasOnDSport
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) March 16, 2018
T20 tempers spoil spirit o Crkt hugely in an otherwise stunning win fr B’Desh...fr good 10 minutes almost it appeared no authority was InControl of the game & even after B’Desh settled the issue o winning much left to be desired to restore Crkt’s etiquettes..!!
— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) March 16, 2018
Ugly scenes after completion, but what a match! Sri Lanka's recovery superb, but clearly not good enough. Sensational finish by Mahmadullah
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 16, 2018
What a inning by Mahmudullah. He not only shown his wonderful hitting ability but also calm in unwanted interruption n didn’t divert from his Goal #BANvSL #NidahasTrophy2018
— Ajay Ratra (@ajratra) March 16, 2018
What a game.. tough lost for @OfficialSLC . Very well played @BCBtigers. ????
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) March 16, 2018
In a tri series, the non India games are of least interest to Indian fans. But Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have given us 2 smashing, memorable games ????????????
— Gaurav Kapur (@gauravkapur) March 16, 2018
Brilliant effort that from Mahmudullah , Bangladesh deserving winners . #NidahasTrophy
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 16, 2018
How many demerit points today? Many more than in South Africa I would imagine!
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 16, 2018
Some of the most bizarre happenings here at the Premadasa.. Looks like shakib wants to call the players in with 4 balls left..
— Kartik Murali (@kartikmurali) March 16, 2018
Courtney Walsh is the kind of cricketer who declined to run out the non-striker backing out of the crease because he thought it unsportsmanlike. He will be deeply ashamed of the behaviour of the team he is now coaching. #NidahasTrophy2018 #SLvBAN
— Anand Vasu (@anandvasu) March 16, 2018