Bangladesh did not have a good start in bowling. The two openers Pathum Nishanka and Kusal Mendis laid the foundation for big runs for the Sri Lankans in aggressive batting. But Bangladesh turned around in the middle overs. Especially the spinners bowled brilliantly. However, except for Mustafiz, no one else could bowl in a controlled manner in the slog overs. In that, the Sri Lankans managed to collect 150 runs.
Batting first after losing the toss in Dubai, Sri Lanka scored 168 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Dasun Shanaka top-scored with an unbeaten 64 runs for the team.
Shariful Islam hit a six off Kusal Mendis in the first over of the innings. Taskin Ahmed broke the opening partnership of the Sri Lankans who started aggressively.
Taskin bowled the last ball of the fifth over at a good length. Pathum Nishanka wanted to play it from the middle and leg stump, but due to poor timing, he was caught by Saif Hasan at deep midwicket. The opener scored 22 runs off 15 balls before returning to the dressing room.
Even though Nishanka returned, another opener Mendis kept the run wheel moving. As a result, Sri Lanka scored 53 runs without losing any more wickets in the power play. However, Bangladesh reined in the run wheel after the power play. In the eighth over, Mendis went to sweep Sheikh Mehedi with the fourth ball but the ball went up as a top edge, Saif again caught the ball at deep backward square leg. Saif scored 34 runs in 24 balls.
After that, Kamil Mishra-Kusal Perera could not take advantage. Bangladesh bowled quite well at this time. However, Dasun Shanaka and Charith Asalanka batted well towards the end. Shanaka in particular created a storm. This experienced batsman scored an unbeaten 64 runs off 37 balls. This is the second highest individual innings of his international T20 career.
Another experienced batsman Asalanka scored 21 runs off 12 balls. In this, the Sri Lankans got a challenging total of over 150.
Mustafizur Rahman was the best bowler of the innings for Bangladesh, taking 3 wickets for 20 runs. In addition, Sheikh Mehedi took two wickets and Taskin Ahmed took one wicket.
FAQ
What was the final score of Sri Lanka in the match?
Sri Lanka scored 168 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 20 overs.
Who was the top scorer for Sri Lanka?
Dasun Shanaka was the top scorer, making an unbeaten 64 runs off 37 balls.
How did Bangladesh bowl during the middle overs?
Bangladesh’s spinners bowled well in the middle overs, slowing down Sri Lanka’s run rate and taking key wickets.
Which Bangladesh bowler performed the best?
Mustafizur Rahman was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for just 20 runs.
Who else contributed with the bat for Sri Lanka apart from Shanaka?
Charith Asalanka supported Shanaka by scoring 21 runs off 12 balls, boosting Sri Lanka’s total.
