Bangladesh (125/8) registered a thrilling two-wicket victory over Sri Lanka (124/9) on Saturday to brighten their chance of progressing to the Super 8 stage. Put into bat at the Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Dallas, Sri Lanka managed only 126 runs, as Mustafizur Rahman (3/17) and Rishad Hossain (3/22) ran-rioted the Lankan middle order. Had it not been for Angelo Mathews’ late 16 off 19, Lanka would not have reached 124.
Bangladesh too had a similar disastrous start, as they were down at 28 for 3 inside the powerplay. Litton Das (36/38) and Towhid Hridoy (40/20) helped the team recover from the initial hiccup and were poised to take them home with 35 runs needed from more than 8 overs. However, Nuwan Thusara’s (4/18) two quick wickets gave Bangladesh a late scare, but they were ultimately able to get past the target.
Following the two back-to-back losses, Sri Lanka now has very slim chances to make it to the next round of the T20 World Cup. Bangladesh, with two points in their kitty, will be happy with their bowling.
Here are five moments which defined the result
Pathum Nissanka’s crucial wicket
Sri Lankan batters were all out of place except for Pathum Nissanka (47/28), who was in deft touch. The opener was playing freely, and till the time he was at the crease, the Lankans were scoring more than eight per over. But his downfall in the 9th over changed the course of the game.
Rishad Hossain’s magic
With the scoreboard reading 100/3 in the 14th over, the Sri Lankan middle order had a perfect launchpad to put up a big total. However, Rishad Hossain came to attack on 15th over and completely dismantled Sri Lankan batters. He took two wickets in consecutive balls to send Sri Lanka’s innings into big trouble.
Inch-perfect death bowling
Sri Lanka were dealt a big blow by Rishad Hossain, but it was his teammates’ perfect death bowling that contributed to the collapse. The trio of Taskin Ahmed (2/25), Mustafizur Rahman, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib (1/24) conceded only 12 runs from the last three overs, restricting Lankans to a small total.
Towhid Hridoy’s pressure break
Sri Lankan bowlers also choked Bangladeshi batters, and things looked really dark at one stage. They were reeling at 37 for 3 at the end of 7 overs. However, with pressure mounting, Hridoy rose to the occasion and accumulated 12 runs of Matheesa Pathirana’s (1/27) first over to put Bangladesh back on track.
Hridoy’s knockout punch
Since Hridoy arrived on the crease, he attacked every bowler. However, his attack on Wanindu Hasaranga (2/32) in the 12th over was the biggest game-changer. He smashed three consecutive sixes, which completely reduced the run rate required. Although he got out after hitting three sixes, Hridoy already had accomplished his goal.
Bangladesh have not only won the game but may have won the ticket for Super 8 stage. Their bowlers look perfectly equipped for the conditions and can bring down any batting line-up. They next play South Africa at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 10. Sri Lanka have had a terrible campaign so far and are almost out of contention. They will play Nepal on June 11 at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill, Florida.
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