Bangladesh restricted Sri Lanka to a few runs due to the controlled bowling of the bowlers. Then it was up to the batters. The target was within reach, but the Tiger batsmen had to get up to speed to chase the modest target of 125 runs.
Bangladesh had to win that easy goal. The Tigers defeated the Lankans by 2 wickets in their first match in the T20 World Cup. Nazmul Hossain Shantar’s team started the World Cup mission with the victory. Despite the victory, there are still questions about the ability of the batters.
Batting for an easy target of 125 runs, Bangladesh lost 3 wickets for 28 runs. Then Liton-Hriday’s 63-run partnership brought relief to the Tiger camp. However, the red-green team fell under pressure to break their pair. Shakibra lost 8 wickets for 113 runs from 4 wickets for 91 runs and was in danger of defeat.
11 runs were required off the last 12 balls. Mahmudullah was experienced in the strike. The silent killer pulled the match towards them by hitting a six off the first ball. Shakib strikes with one run in the next ball. Mahmudullah struck with a dot on one ball and a run on the next ball. Dasun Shanaka took a dot from the fifth ball. Sri Lanka took a review for getting Mahmudullah out on the sixth ball. The third umpire declared the ball wide from the reverse review. As a result, Bangladesh needed 2 runs in 7 balls. Mahmudullah and Tanjim Shakib left the field with the victory of Bangladesh with 2 runs in the last ball of the 19th over. Mahmudullah remained unbeaten on 16 runs from 13 balls. Nuwan Tushara took 4 wickets for Sri Lanka.
Mostafiz was the best bowler today with 3 wickets for 17 runs. Besides, Fera Taskin got 2 wickets and Tanjim Hasan got 1 wicket from injury. On the other hand Rishad Hossain took 3 wickets for 22 runs in his career best bowling. The young leg spinner won the man of the match award.
But can Bangladesh defeat the Lankans to stay ahead in the Super Eight race?
