NEW DELHI: Bangladesh on Monday beat Sri Lanka by three wickets in a match of the World Cup 2023 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. Bangladesh lost openers Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das early in the Powerplay to Madushanka, who continued his impressive new-ball spells. The Tigers were put on the path to victory by Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan, who stitched together a 169-run partnership in the run-chase.

At one point, both batters seemed to be on course for their individual hundreds, but Angelo Mathews extracted revenge for a first-innings mishap that saw him timed out. The all-rounder sent back Shakib with a cutter that found the leading edge and promptly gave him a send-off.

Later, Mahmudullah Riyad tried to maintain the momentum but he was dismissed by Theekshana followed by two more wickets in quick sessions. Tawhid Hridoy and Tanzim Hasan Sakib from tail order paired up to ensure the victory for their side in 42nd over.

Earlier, a discipled century from Charith Asalanka helped Sri Lanka set 280 runs target for Bangladesh. The Tigers found an early breakthrough when Mushfiqur Rahim made a sensational catch behind the wicket to dismiss Kusal Perera in the first over.Tanzim Hasan Sakib removed Pathum Nissanka, who tried to take a strong start but fell for 41 off 36. Charith Asalanka and Sadeera Samarwickrama paired up to put scores on the board but things turned dramatically Bangladesh's way in the 25th over when Samarawickrama was dismissed following which Angelo Mathews was timed out for taking too much time to walk in. Asalanka smashed 108 while Dhananjaya de Silva made 34 and Maheesh Theekshana scored 22 in final overs to boost the total. However, the team was bowled out for 279 in 49.3 overs.

Earlier Coverage

Sri Lanka need plenty to go right for them if they are to sneak into the knockout stages of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup and a commanding victory over Bangladesh is a crucial starting point. Injuries to key players has hurt Sri Lanka's World Cup campaign, but the Island nation can still qualify for the semi-finals with victories over Bangladesh and New Zealand over the next week. They will also need a host of other results to fall their way, but for now all they can concentrate on is registering a third win of the tournament by defeating fellow Asian side Bangladesh.

Bangladesh's sole victory at the World Cup came in their opening fixture against Afghanistan in Dharamsala and six straight losses since that match has left Shakib Al Hasan's side without any hope of qualifying for the semi-finals. They do still have plenty to play though and will be keen to put a dent in Sri Lanka's chances by picking up their second triumph of what has been a disappointing campaign. Veterans Litton Das, Mahmudullah and Shakib will be relied upon to score freely for Bangladesh, while Sri Lanka will look to the likes of Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama and skipper Kusal Mendis to get going with the bat.

Spin is likely to be a major factor in this clash, with Shakib to lead Bangladesh's slow bowling attack and players in the ilk of Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage sure to be prominent for Sri Lanka.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 07 2023

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