Bangladesh won a thrilling match against Sri Lanka in Texas by two wickets. After this stunning victory, they’re on the top of Group D of the T20 World Cup.
Rishad Hossain bowled an excellent leg-spin spell as Bangladesh struggled to limit Sri Lanka to 124-9. Then Liton Das and Towhid Hridoy put Bangladesh on top. At the start, Nuwan Thushara’s excellent pace bowling in his second over. It was a risk point for Bangladesh.
But star Mahmudullah Riyad used all of his expertise to help Bangladesh finish unbeaten with 16 wickets.
It was the fourth and last game at Grand Prairie Stadium, and the Dallas audience was treated to some excellent entertainment on a pitch. They offered some bounce and generated nice bat-and-ball contests.
Bangladesh’s Batmen Put Winning Strategy
Sri Lanka got off to a blazing start, scoring 53-2 in six overs. But they slowed down to 100-3 after 14 overs. Thanks to Pathum Nissanka‘s 47 from 28 with eight boundaries.
But then the 21-year-old wrist spinner Rishad struck twice in a row. He completely changed the momentum of the innings. Charith Asalanka’s sweep shot found Shakib Al Hasan in deep backward square, and he snatched the catch.
Sri Lankan captain Wanindu Hasaranga was the next victim of Rishad’s spin. He could not show his game. Dhananjaya de Silva, who scored 21 from 26 balls, was bowled by Rishad’s ball and stumped by Liton.
Sri Lanka only added 24 runs from the final six overs, losing six wickets in the process. Rishad ended with a career-best T20I total of 3-22 from four overs. The final seven overs of Sri Lanka’s innings. Yet, it proved to be the most decisive. They arrived at the start of the 14th over in good form, with 100 runs on the board and seven wickets in hand.
Mustafizur Rahman completed with 3-17 from four overs. And Taskin Ahmed bowled brilliantly for 2-25. Bangladesh made a rocky start, trailing 28-3 in the sixth over. Before that Liton and Hridoy combined for a key 63-run combination.
Hridoy blasted Hasaranga for three consecutive sixes before being trapped leg-before on the following ball. Then Hasaranga dismissed Liton, and Sri Lanka had a glimmer of hope.
Bangladesh Skipper Praises Team Effort
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Maheesh Theekshana’s unbelievable catch in the deep saw Shakib Al Hasan leave Bangladesh on 109-6. Thushara then returned to the attack. He removed Rishad and Taskin to apply more pressure. But when Mahmudullah bowled a loose full toss from Dasun Shanaka for six over mid-wicket, the jitters relaxed and they ensured a win.
Bangladesh was playing their first game of the tournament after an unsatisfactory warm-up match. In that match, they lost a three-game series to the United States and then by 60 runs to India.
Skipper Najmul Hossain was more than happy. “Everyone’s body language was excellent, and we gave everything we had. Very significant for Liton; he’s been suffering, but he demonstrated his talent tonight. I think he batted quite effectively. Hridoy was very brave, and the way he played that over helped us a lot,” he said.
Unfortunately, Sri Lanka has now lost both of their opening games. South Africa defeated them in their previous clash.
Also Read: Afghanistan’s Stunning Victory Over New Zealand by 84 Runs
About the Author
Zartash Zulfiqar is a passionate cricket writer whose love for cricket shines through in every word. From match analyses to player profiles, she delivers insightful commentary that resonates with fans worldwide. Stay tuned for the latest from the world of cricket, brought to you by Zartash.
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