DUBAI: Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by 6 wickets in the fifth Group B match of the Asia Cup T20, here on Saturday.
In this match played at the Abu Dhabi ground, Bangladesh, batting first, scored 139 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs.
The start of Bangladesh’s innings was extremely disappointing and the first two players were dismissed without scoring any runs. Captain Liton Das played an innings of 28 runs, while in the end Shamim Hossain (42 not out) and Zakir Ali (41 not out) made a brilliant partnership to stabilize the team’s score.
For Sri Lanka, Hasaranga took 2 wickets while Chimera and Thisara took one wicket each. In pursuit of the target, Sri Lanka’s openers gave a brilliant start. Patham Nissanka played a charming innings of 50 runs off 34 balls, which included 6 fours and a six.
On the other hand, Kamil Mishara scored 46 runs not out off 32 balls to bring the team closer to victory. In the last moments, captain Charith Asalanka scored 10 runs not out off just 4 balls to ensure victory. Sri Lanka achieved the required target of 140 runs in just 14.4 overs for the loss of four wickets.
Mahdi Hasan was the most successful bowler, taking 2 wickets, but the other bowlers were unable to stop the Sri Lankan batters.
With this win, Sri Lanka has strengthened its position in Group B, while Bangladesh will now need to win the next matches to reach the semi-finals.
