Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2023 highlights: Sri Lanka completed a thumping five-wicket win over Bangladesh on Thursday (August 30) chasing 165, to start their 2023 Asia Cup campaign on a high at Pallekele.
Bangladesh, led by Shakib Al Hasan, won the toss and decided to bat first, a decision that proved to be disastrous, as the side lost their first three wickets for 36 runs. The collapse began when Maheesh Theekshana, given the new ball, struck in his just second ball, trapping debutant Tanzid Hasan lbw.
Dhananjaya de Silva and Matheesha Pathirana also got wickets soon after being introduced into the attack, dismissing Mohammad Naim and Shakib, respectively.
Towhid Hridoy and Najmul Hossain Shanto then attempted to revive the innings with a 59-run stand, but the run rate never troubled the Lankans. Another bowling change by Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka brought rewards when he got himself into the attack in the 24th over of the innings. He dismissed Hridoy in his second over, dismissing Hridoy for a 41-ball 20.
Bangladesh failed to recover after Shanto was sent back with a carrom ball bowled by Theekshana for 89, with the last six wickets falling for only 37 runs.
Pathirana, playing just his fifth ODI, picked up his career-best figures of 4-32, with Theekshana ending with 2-19 in his eight overs as Bangladesh were all out for 164 in 42.4 overs.
[breakout id=”0″][/breakout]
Sri Lanka’s run chase was not without a few stutters, as Taskin Ahmed bowled an inswinger to dismiss Dimuth Karunaratne, while Shoriful Islam had Pathum Nissanka caught behind. Kusal Mendis struggled for his five in 21 balls and was dismissed by Shakib, reducing Sri Lanka to 43-3.
Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka then waded through the pressure and brought up their individual fifties. By the time Samarawickrama was dismissed, Sri Lanka were 44 runs away from a win. They eventually reached the target in the 39th over, registering their record 11th consecutive win in ODIs. It was also the 11th successive time that they have bowled out their rivals in the format.
