In an exhilarating second T20 match against Sri Lanka in Sylhet, Bangladesh secured a resounding 8-wicket win, leveling the series at 1-1. The highlight of the match was captain Nazmul Hasan Shanto’s outstanding unbeaten half-century, steering his team to victory in a thrilling chase.
Strong Start
In pursuit of a formidable target, Bangladesh initiated their innings with an impressive display as openers Soumya Sarkar and Liton Das established a resilient foundation, stitching together a commendable partnership of 68 runs for the initial wicket. Despite facing a formidable bowling attack from Sri Lanka, Sarkar and Das showcased resilience and determination.
However, the Sri Lankan bowler Mathisha Pathirana succeeded in shattering this promising alliance by dismissing Sarkar after he had contributed 26 runs to the scoreboard. Following Sarkar’s departure, Das, who had shown great promise, also succumbed to the relentless bowling prowess of Pathirana, departing the crease after accumulating 36 runs.
Partnership
After the early setbacks, Shanto joined forces with Tauheed Hriday to build an unbeaten 87-run partnership for the third wicket, guiding Bangladesh to a comprehensive victory. Shanto showcased exceptional batting prowess with an unbeaten 53 runs, while Hriday contributed a valuable 32 runs. Despite Pathirana’s two-wicket haul for Sri Lanka, their bowlers struggled to make further breakthroughs.
Sri Lanka Struggles
Earlier in the match, Sri Lanka faced a challenging start to their innings, losing their first wicket with just one run on the board as Avishka Fernando departed without scoring.
Although Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis contributed 36 and 37 runs respectively, Sri Lanka failed to produce any half-centuries. Captain Asalanka managed 28 runs, while Mathews and Shanaka provided late resistance with 32* and 20* runs respectively, guiding Sri Lanka to a total of 165/5.
Performances
Veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews played a crucial role in steering Sri Lanka beyond the 150-run mark with his unbeaten 32 runs, supported by Shanaka’s quick-fire 20 runs off 18 balls. For Bangladesh, Taskin Ahmed, Mehdi Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, and Soumya Sarkar each claimed a wicket, contributing to their team’s strong bowling performance.
Looking Ahead
With the series now tied, the anticipation heightens as both teams prepare for the pivotal third match, setting the stage for yet another electrifying showdown that is sure to captivate cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
