What a performance from the defending champions of the Asia Cup, Sri Lanka, especially from the bowlers, as they bundled out the opposition for a paltry total of 164 in just 42.4 overs; both spin and seam bowling contributed equally. Sri Lankan fans would be ecstatic as the side chased down the target of 165 runs with 5 wickets in the tank
It’s a day to celebrate for all the diehard fans of Chennai Super Kings, as both Mahesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana are the star performers of the day, along with other bowlers chipping in wickets. Matheesha Pathirana looked in complete control of the match as his variations were quite tough to pick.
STAR PERFORMERS OF THE DAY
Just like yesterday, Shakib al Hasan had no second thoughts in deciding to bat first after winning the toss. However, the Sri Lankan bowlers had other ideas, as Dasun Shanaka introduced spin in the second over of the game, looking at the conditions.
Mahesh Theekshana strikes with his second delivery of the game trapping Tanzid Hassan, the debutant, who lasts only two balls at the crease. Then came the part-time off-spinner Dhananjaya, who got the wicket of Naim’s soft dismissal.
Then came the star performer of the day, Matheesha Pathirana, as he removed the skipper Shakib al Hasan caught behind for just five runs to his name with a brilliant take from the wicket, keeper Kusal Mendis diving to his left, which is the turning point of the match.
Matheesha Pathirana once again removed Mushfiqur Rahim with the short ball trick as Karunaratne caught him at third man, which led to the batting collapse as they lost 6 wickets for just 69 runs; he came back and finished the innings with the best bowling figures of 4 for 32.
50-run partnership up for Samarawickrama and Asalanka as the duo takes the Sri Lankan team with some sensible batting; they rotated the strike well as they guided the Sri Lankan team over the line, they won the match by 5 wickets, and with 11 overs to spare
SHANTO THE LONE WARRIOR
Shanto, the lone warrior for Bangladesh, played a fantastic knock of 80 runs, which is half of the total team; with wickets falling around him, he played his natural game and gave his team something to fight for at the end.
Bangladesh bowlers also bowled well as they picked up 5 wickets, as their skipper picked up two wickets. lack of discipline with the bat cost them the match at the end.