Sri Lanka Edges Out Bangladesh In Thrilling Victory With A Narrow 3-Run Margin
Despite a boundary by Shoriful Islam in the penultimate delivery, Bangladesh fell agonizingly short of the target, managing only two runs and concluding at 203-8.
In an electrifying commencement to a three-match series in Sylhet, Sri Lanka clinched a nail-biting victory over Bangladesh by a mere three-run margin, propelled by Dasun Shanaka's remarkable display of nerve under pressure. Shanaka's heroics, particularly his two crucial wickets in the final over, sealed a dramatic win for the Sri Lankan 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, tasked with chasing a formidable target of 207 runs, found a glimmer of hope in the lower middle-order batsman Jaker Ali, who crafted his maiden fifty. However, Shanaka's decisive bowling terminated Ali's explosive innings at 68 runs off just 34 balls, leaving Bangladesh with a daunting task in the closing stages.
Despite a boundary by Shoriful Islam in the penultimate delivery, Bangladesh fell agonizingly short of the target, managing only two runs and concluding at 203-8. Shanaka's pivotal contributions extended beyond Ali's dismissal, as he also dispatched Rishad Hossain in the opening ball of the last over, finishing with figures of 2-36.
Former Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews played a significant role in the victory, claiming figures of 2-17 and creating early setbacks for the Bangladesh innings. Mahmudullah Riyad's resilient knock of 54 off 31 balls provided some resistance for the home side after the initial setbacks.
Sri Lanka's batting prowess was evident as Sadeera Samarawickrama and Kusal Mendis both showcased impressive batting displays, each registering half-centuries. Samarawickrama's unbeaten 61 off 48 balls complemented Mendis's 59 off 36 balls, laying the foundation 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 sluggish start to post a commanding total.
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Mendis and Samarawickrama combined for a crucial 96-run partnership for the third wicket, stabilizing Sri Lanka's innings after the early setbacks. 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, comprising three one-day internationals and two Tests. With this thrilling victory, Sri Lanka has set the tone for an exhilarating series ahead, showcasing their resilience and determination against formidable competition.
