Sri Lanka and Bangladesh generated a lot of buzz following their 'world class bowler' banter before the all-important fixture in the Asia Cup 2022 on Thursday. Tremendous batting performances by Kusal Mendis and skipper Dasun Shanaka helped Sri Lanka to book their spot in the Super Four stage after beating Bangladesh by two wickets.
Batting first, Bangladesh put 183 runs on the board as opener Mehidy Hasan Miraz and all-rounder Afif Hossain scored 38 and 39 runs respectively, while middle-order batter Mosaddek Hossain quick-fired 24 runs in just 9 balls to take Bangladesh on a reputable total.
Sri Lankan bowlers Asitha Fernando and Wanindu Hasaranga leaked plenty of runs while Maheesh Theekshana and Dilshan Madushanka provided balance to the bowling unit with their economical overs. While chasing the target, Sri Lanka started well as opener Kusal Mendis scored 60 runs off 37 balls with the help of three sixes and four boundaries.
Although Sri Lanka's middle order succumbed against Bangladesh bowling, their captain Dasun Shanaka kept scoring runs for his country in a must-win game. Bangladesh bowler Ebadot Hossain picked three wickets in his debut match but his expensive second spell couldn't help his team to reach the Super Four stage.
Here's how Twitter reacted over Sri Lanka's victory:
What a game ,what a massive chase ,congrats sri lanka 🏏🥰#AsiaCup2022 #SLvsBAN
— 𝐍𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐦 𝐌𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐥 (@DeemiMughal) September 1, 2 0 22
Match of the tournament so far #BANVSSL #Asiacup2022 #BanvSL
— Baba (@BalluBalram0) September 1, 2022
Sri Lanka win ❤️❤️❤️
— Vinesh Prabhu (@vlp1994) September 1, 2022
Finalists of the last two Asia Cups have been knocked out in the group stage #BANVSSL #AsiaCup2022
Haha BANGLADESH lost the match, doesn't deserve to win after giving this many no balls and extras #BANVSSL #AsiaCup2022
— Sreerag Rajesh (@RajeshSreerag) September 1, 2022
S ri L anka will next face Afghanistan in the Super Fours on September 3 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Meanwhile, Pakistan and Hong Kong will face each other on Friday and the winner will face Team India in the Super Four on September 4.