Dallas – Bangladesh clinched a nail-biting victory over Sri Lanka by two wickets in a pulsating T20 World Cup clash at the Dallas Cricket Ground. The match, characterized by fluctuating fortunes and a tense finish, showcased the best of T20 cricket.expand_more
Sri Lanka’s Brisk Start, Middle-Order Collapse
Winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to field, hoping to exploit early movement. Sri Lanka’s openers, Pathum Nissanka (47 runs off 28 balls) and Kusal Mendis (10 runs off 8 balls), got off to a flying start, amassing 21 runs in just 15 deliveries. Nissanka’s aggressive strokeplay, studded with seven boundaries and a six, set the tone for Sri Lanka’s innings.
However, the middle order crumbled under the pressure exerted by Bangladesh’s bowlers, particularly Mustafizur Rahman (3/17) and Rishad Hossain (3/22). Their combined efforts triggered a collapse, limiting Sri Lanka to a modest total of 124 runs.
Despite Dhananjaya de Silva’s fighting knock of 21 runs and valuable contributions from Asalanka (19 runs) and Mathews (16 runs), Sri Lanka failed to capitalize on their promising start.
Bangladesh’s Wobbly Chase
In pursuit of 125, Bangladesh’s chase got off to a shaky start. Early wickets, courtesy of Nuwan Thushara (4/18), who wreaked havoc with the new ball, put Bangladesh on the back foot.
However, a defiant partnership between Litton Das (36 runs) and Towhid Hridoy (40 runs off 20 balls) resurrected Bangladesh’s innings. Hridoy’s explosive knock, punctuated by four towering sixes, injected much-needed momentum into the chase.expand_more
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Bangladesh managed to keep their noses ahead. A crucial cameo from Mahmudullah (16 runs) and some lusty blows from Tanzim Hasan Sakib in the final over ensured Bangladesh crossed the finish line with two wickets in hand and one over to spare.
Bowling Brilliance Decides the Fate
The match was ultimately decided by the bowlers. While Mustafizur and Hossain were instrumental in restricting Sri Lanka, Thushara’s early strikes put Bangladesh under immense pressure. Wanindu Hasaranga’s (2/32) two wickets also briefly revived Sri Lanka’s hopes.
Scorecard Summary
- Sri Lanka: 124 all out (20 overs)
- Pathum Nissanka 47 (28)
- Dhananjaya de Silva 21 (26)
- Mustafizur Rahman 3/17 (4 overs)
- Rishad Hossain 3/22 (4 overs)expand_more
- Bangladesh: 125/8 (19 overs)
- Towhid Hridoy 40 (20)
- Litton Das 36 (38)
- Nuwan Thushara 4/18 (4 overs)
- Wanindu Hasaranga 2/32 (4 overs)expand_more
Result: Bangladesh won by 2 wickets.expand_more
Implications
This win marks a significant boost for Bangladesh in their T20 World Cup campaign. Sri Lanka, despite the loss, can take solace in Nissanka’s impressive knock and some promising bowling spells. The match serves as a reminder that T20 cricket can swing dramatically, making every delivery crucial.
Detailed Scorecard:
Did not bat: Fall of wickets: 21-1 (Kusal Mendis, 2.3), 48-2 (Kamindu Mendis, 5.1), 70-3 (Pathum Nissanka, 8.5), 100-4 (Asalanka, 14.1), 100-5 (W Hasaranga, 14.2), 109-6 (Dhananjaya de Silva, 16.1), 115-7 (Shanaka, 17.6), 117-8 (M Theekshana, 18.5), 123-9 (Mathews, 19.5)
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Detailed Scorecard:
Did not bat: Mustafizur Rahman Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Soumya Sarkar, 0.3), 6-2 (Tanzid Hasan, 1.4), 28-3 (Najmul Hossain Shanto, 5.2), 91-4 (Towhid Hridoy, 11.4), 99-5 (Litton Das, 14.1), 109-6 (Shakib Al Hasan, 16.2), 113-7 (Rishad Hossain, 17.3), 113-8 (Taskin Ahmed, 17.4)
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