Sri Lanka clinched the ‘do or die’ clash against Bangladesh by two wickets on Thursday (September 1) to become the third team after Afghanistan and India to be in the Super-4 stage of the tournament. In what was a thrilling contest in Dubai, the hosts, Sri Lanka held their nerves better to seal the win with just four balls left.
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka opted to bowl first after winning the toss. Bangladesh posted a very competitive score of 183/7 after contributions from Afif Hossain (39), Mehidy Hasan (38), Mahmudullah (27), Shakib Al Hasan (24) and Mosaddek Hossain (24). For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga and Chamika Karunaratne took two wickets each.
Sri Lanka's batters responded strongly too and despite losing wickets at regular intervals did not stop believing in themselves. Kusal Mendis (60) and Dasun Shanaka (45) played substantial knocks. Karunaratne smacked 16 in 10 balls with debutant Asitha Fernando smashing 10* in 3 balls at the end to seal the thrilling win.
Ebadot Hossain (3/51) and Taskin Ahmed (2/24) were in the wickets but Bangladesh will be disappointed with the four no-balls they bowled in what was a game that they had to win to progress.
Here's who said what in the cricketing fraternity after Sri Lanka's victory over Bangladesh:
