Asia Cup 2022: Sri Lanka make Super 4s after thrilling two-wicket win over Bangladesh

After defeating Bangladesh by two wickets in a Group B match on Thursday, Sri Lanka advanced to the Super Four round of the ongoing Asia Cup 2022 thanks to a late blitz from Asitha Fernando and Dasun Shanaka.

Sri Lanka successfully defeated Bangladesh to earn a spot in the Super Four. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka’s openers, amassed 40 runs in just five overs as they launched their 184-run chase.

After scoring 20 runs in 19 runs, Nissanka was removed by Ebadot Hossain, ending the duo’s explosive 45-run partnership. In the same over, Hossain scored another run by ejecting rookie Charith Asalanka for one run.

After that, Danushka Gunathilaka entered the crease and hit two fours in Mahedi Hasan’s over. In the same over Mahedi Hasan dismissed Kusal Mendis, who scored 29 runs in the 17 deliveries.

After just scoring two runs, Taskin Ahmed bowled Bhanuka Rajapaksa, dealing Sri Lanka a further setback.

Sri Lanka needed 104 runs in 60 balls after 10 overs. In the 13th over, Kusal Mendis scored his urgently needed fifty runs in 32 balls. Mendis’ 60-run innings came to an end after being bowled by Mustafizur Rahman, giving his team a significant victory.

Then, Dasun Shanaka attempted a massive shot and scored 45 runs in 33 balls before Mahedi Hasan removed him.

Chamika Karunaratne hit Hossain’s no-ball for four runs, but Shakib’s runout ended his inning before it could continue.

The final delivery of the 19th over was when Asitha Fernando entered the crease and hit a four. Asitha Fernando scored two runs and chased down a challenging mark to reach the Super Fours after Mahedi Hasan bowled a no-ball with three runs needed in four balls.

Top knock from Kusal Mendis ⁰
A series of beautiful strokes turned into a solid half-century ⁰#SLvBAN #ACC #AsiaCup2022 #GetReadyForEpic pic.twitter.com/Locer17HxM

— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 1, 2022

Afif Hossain scored 39 runs earlier for Bangladesh, and Mahmudullah added a crucial 27 runs to help their team reach a difficult total. Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, and Maheesh Theekshana all claimed two wickets for Sri Lanka, compared to just one for Maheesh Theekshana.

Asitha Fernando, a debutant, gave Sri Lanka its first success when he dismissed Sabbir Rahman after choosing to bowl first. The batter left the plate after tallying five runs, and the team’s final score after 4.0 overs was 29/1. The captain then arrived at the crease.

Asitha Fernando was struck by Mehidy Hasan Miraz for a six and two consecutive fours after shifting into another gear. In less than 6 overs, the explosive partnership of Hasan Miraz and Shakib increased their team’s score past the 50-run threshold.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz, a hard-hitting batter who had scored 38 runs in 26 deliveries, was dismissed by Wanindu Hasaranga, dealing further blow to Bangladesh.

Mushfiqur Rahim then entered the crease, but he did not last long since Chamika Karunaratne removed him after he had only scored four runs.

Shakib beat Chamika Karunaratne for 10 runs, the over adorned with two back-to-back fours to relieve some of the pressure on his team. Shakib reached 6,000 runs in international cricket with a four in the over.

The Bangladesh team’s final score after 10 overs was 85/3. Maheesh Theekshana knocked out Shakib with an incredible delivery, putting a stop to the Bangladesh captain’s hot streak.

After scoring 24 runs in 22 balls, Shakib returned to the pavilion.

Then, to relieve some of the team’s pressure, Mahmudullah arrived at the crease and teamed up with Afif Hossain. In the 13th over, Hossain blasted a thunderous six to push his team’s score above 100 runs.

Hossain and Mahmudullah then worked together to smash Sri Lankan bowlers all around the field. In the fifteenth over, he pummelling Hasaranga for 14 runs.

Both hitters were in excellent form as they smacked Sri Lankan bowlers for runs that their team desperately needed. Dilshan Madushanka sent Hossain packing after he scored 39 runs in 22 balls, putting an end to his at-bat.

Mahmudullah, who had just scored 27 runs in 22 balls, was also a victim of Hasaranga’s spin. On Asitha Fernando’s delivery, Mosaddek Hossain blasted a remarkable back-to-back pair of fours to enable his team score a total of 183/7.

Brief score: Bangladesh 183/7 (Mehidy Hasan Miraz 38, Afif Hossain 39; Wanindu Hasaranga 2-44) vs Sri Lanka 184/8 (Kusal Mendis 60, Dasun Shanaka 45; Ebadot Hossain 3-51).

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