Exciting Cricket Match: Bangladesh defeats Sri Lanka by 3 Wickets

Introduction

In a thrilling encounter marked as Match No 38 at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, two Subcontinent cricketing nations, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, battled it out. Both teams were already out of the top four race, but they had to compete for a chance to secure a spot in the top eight and earn a spot in the coveted Champions Trophy.

Bangladesh Elects to Bowl

Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl first. Sri Lanka was tasked with setting a competitive target. However, their innings didn’t begin well, as Kusal Perera was dismissed in the very first over.

Nissanka and Mendis Stabilize Sri Lanka’s Innings

Sri Lanka’s fortunes improved as Bhanuka Nissanka and Kusal Mendis combined forces to forge a 61-run partnership for the second wicket. However, their momentum was short-lived, as they both fell in quick succession at 66 and 72 runs, respectively.

Samarawickrama and Asalanka Rebuild

Oshada Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka stepped up to the challenge, constructing a 63-run partnership until Samarawickrama was dismissed by Shakib Al Hasan. Angelo Mathews entered the fray, but an unfortunate timing mishap with his helmet led to a rare timed out decision by the umpire, forcing him to return to the pavilion.

Asalanka’s Heroics Lead Sri Lanka to 279

Dhananjaya de Silva joined Asalanka, and together they added 78 runs to the total. Asalanka’s brilliant performance saw him scoring 108 runs from 105 balls, guiding Sri Lanka to a competitive total of 279 runs before they were bowled out in the 50th over.

Bangladeshi Batsman Shine

In response, Bangladesh faced a challenging target but lost two wickets during the initial power play. Tamim Iqbal Hasan and Liton Das departed, leaving Bangladesh at 41 for 2. Nazmul Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan then took charge of the innings, pushing the score to 210 before Shakib was dismissed after scoring 82 runs.

Shanto’s Heroics in Vain as Bangladesh Triumphs

Despite Shanto’s well-crafted 90 runs from 101 balls, Bangladesh lost Shanto when the score was 211 for 4. However, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Hridoy worked collectively to ensure that Bangladesh reached the target in the 41.1st over, winning the match by 3 wickets.

Bowlers Shine on Both Sides

Madushanka was the standout bowler, claiming 3 crucial wickets for Sri Lanka, while Maheesh Theekshana and Angelo Mathews took 2 wickets each. Shakib Al Hasan’s all-around performance earned him the title of “Player of the Match” for his brilliant 82 runs and 2 wickets in a remarkable game of cricket.

Conclusion

Bangladesh with the win earned 4 points and standing on 7th position in the table. Where as Sri Lanka with same points is on 8th position. Last league match left for both team and can improve in points table. Sri Lanka will face Newzealand and Bangladesh will face Australia in their last match.