Sri Lanka Clinches Victory Over Bangladesh by Narrow 3-Run Margin
Former Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews contributed to the victory by claiming 2-17, creating early setbacks for the Bangladesh innings.
In a gripping opening Twenty20 international of a three-match series in Sylhet, Sri Lanka emerged victorious against Bangladesh by a narrow three-run margin, courtesy of Dasun Shanaka's exceptional display of composure under pressure. Shanaka's heroics saw him claim two crucial wickets in the final over, securing a dramatic win for his team.
What a way to kick off the series!????
Sri Lanka ???????? takes the first match against Bangladesh ???????? in a nail-biting thriller by just 3 runs! #BANvSL pic.twitter.com/2YJNtvK4W9 — Sri Lanka Cricket ???????? (@OfficialSLC) March 4, 2024
Bangladesh, chasing a challenging target of 207 runs, received a significant boost from lower middle-order batsman Jaker Ali, who notched his maiden fifty. However, Shanaka's decisive bowling terminated Ali's innings of 68 runs in just 34 balls, leaving Bangladesh with a tense task in the final over.
Despite a boundary by Shoriful Islam in the penultimate delivery, Bangladesh fell short of the target, managing only two runs and finishing at 203-8. Shanaka's pivotal role extended beyond Ali's dismissal, as he also removed Rishad Hossain in the first ball of the last over, ending with figures of 2-36.
Former Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews contributed to the victory by claiming 2-17, creating early setbacks for the Bangladesh innings. Mahmudullah Riyad's resilient knock of 54 off 31 balls provided a glimmer of hope for the home side after the initial setbacks.
Sri Lanka's batting prowess was evident as Sadeera Samarawickrama and Kusal Mendis both slammed impressive fifties, guiding their team to a formidable total of 206-3. Samarawickrama's unbeaten 61 off 48 balls complemented Mendis's 59 off 36 balls, setting the stage for a challenging chase for Bangladesh.
Stand-in skipper Charith Asalanka's unbeaten 44 from 21 balls further bolstered Sri Lanka's innings, as they overcame a slow start to post a commanding total.
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Mendis and Samarawickrama shared a crucial 96-run partnership for the third wicket, stabilizing Sri Lanka's innings after losing their first two wickets early on. Despite early breakthroughs by Bangladesh's Shoriful and Taskin Ahmed, Mendis's aggressive batting propelled Sri Lanka towards a formidable total.
The series opener marked the commencement of Sri Lanka's month-long tour of Bangladesh, featuring three one-day internationals and two Tests. With this thrilling victory, Sri Lanka has set the tone for an exciting series ahead, showcasing their resilience and determination in the face of tough competition.
