Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, Super 4s (B1 v B2), Asia Cup: Lucky 13 for Sri Lanka as Bangladesh eye exit

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh were up against each other in the second Super Four game of Asia Cup 2023 at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The Dasun Shanaka-led side posted a total of 257 for nine after a slow start. Bangladesh fell short of the target by just 21 runs as they were bundled out for 236.

Sri Lanka didn’t have a good opening start as they lost Dimuth Karunaratne early. But Pathum Nissanka (40:60b, 5x4) and Kusal Mendis (50:73b, 6x4, 1x6) made sure that the side was off to a great start despite early jolt. They stitched 74 runs for the second wicket but both fell in quick succession. Sadeera Samarawickrama (93: 72b, 8x4, 2x6) rose to the occasion and played a crucial role for the team. He single-handedly scored runs after the second wicket partnership and batted till the last over. Dasun Shanaka (24:32b, 1x4) also chipped in down the order with the vital knock that powered Sri Lanka to a total of 257 for nine. For Bangladesh, Hasan Mahmud and Taskin Ahmed were the pick of bowlers as they bagged three wickets each.

Bangladesh were off to the staggering start as openers Mohammad Naim (21:46b, 1x4) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (28:29b, 4x4) stitched 55 runs for the opening partnership. But they both perished after having good starts as Bangladesh were left tottering at 60 for two. Things got worse for them as Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das (15:24b, 1x4) fell too just after that as they were reduced to 83 for four. Mushfiqur Rahim (29:48b) along with Towhid Hridoy (82:97b, 7x4, 1x6) added 72 runs to help bail their team out of trouble. However, Sri Lanka made a strong comeback and picked wickets at crucial stages. They wrapped up the game quickly after that and bowled out the opposition for 236. For Sri Lanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Dasun Shanaka and Maheesh Theekshana picked three wickets each. 

Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh by 21 runs!
Samarawickrama led the charge with a scintillating 93 in the first innings, while the Lankan bowlers exhibited exceptional skills in restricting Bangladesh. ???? #AsiaCup2023 #SLvBAN pic.twitter.com/5R8elHEXW0

— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 9, 2023

Match Summary
Sri Lanka: 257-9 (50)
Fall of wickets: 1-34 (Dimuth Karunaratne-5.3 ov), 2-108 (Pathum Nissanka-23.2 ov), 3-117 (Kusal Mendis-25.5 ov), 4-144 (Charith Asalanka-31.5 ov), 5-164 (Dhananjaya de Silva-37.1 ov), 6-224 (Dasun Shanaka-46.4 ov), 7-243 (Dunith Wellalage-48.3 ov), 8-246 (Maheesh Theekshana-49.1 ov), 9-257 (Sadeera Samarawickrama-49.6 ov) 

Bangladesh: 236 (48.1)
Fall of wickets: 1-55 (Mehidy Hasan Miraz-11.1 ov), 2-60 (Mohammad Naim-13.4 ov), 3-70 (Shakib Al Hasan-15.4 ov), 4-83 (Litton Das-18.5 ov), 5-155 (Mushfiqur Rahim-37.2 ov), 6-181 (Shamim Hossain-41.3 ov), 7-197 (Towhid Hridoy-43.2 ov), 8-200 (Taskin Ahmed-43.6 ov), 9-216 (Shoriful Islam-46.1 ov), 10-236 (Nasum Ahmed-48.1 ov)

SCORECARD    

Playing XI
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wicket-keeper), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana

Bangladesh: Mohammad Naim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan (captain), Mushfiqur Rahim (wicket-keeper), Shamim Hossain, Afif Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud

Match Details
Toss: Bangladesh, elected to field
Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Start time: 0930 hrs GMT
Match officials: Jayaraman Madanagopal, Paul Wilson (On-field Umpires); Langton Rusere (TV Umpire); Ahmed Shah Pakteen (Reserve Umpire); Javagal Srinath (Match-referee)