In the second match of the Asia Cup 2023, Sri Lanka outplayed Bangladesh. They gave a team performance, but the standout performer for the winning team was their young fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, who bowled beautifully as he picked up four important wickets for the opposition team. For his performance, Matheesha Pathirana emerged as the player of the match.
In the match, Bangladesh won the toss and decided to bat first at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka, where the surface was spin-bowling friendly. The Bangladesh openers could not do much for the team as both the opening batsmen were sent back early by the Lankan spinners.
Najmul Hossain Shanto came at number three and tried his best to give support to the down-falling inning. He made a good small partnership with Towhid Hridoy because their trump player Shakib was bowled by Matheesha Pathirana.
No other batter could stand with Shanto, and Sri Lankan bowlers kept taking wickets in the important stages of the match, which resulted in the batting team just posting a very small total of 165 runs against the strong batting lineup of Sri Lanka. Najmul Shanto scored 89 runs before getting bowled.
In reply, while chasing a very small target, the Sri Lankan opener was also sent back to the dugout by Bangladeshi fast bowlers; Kusal Mendis was also bowled by Shakib, and they were in trouble while chasing a small total.
The partnership between Sadeera Samarawickrama 54 (77) and Charith Asalanka 62 (92) helped them register their first win in the Asia Cup 2023. Skipper Dasun Shanka remains not out at the other end, and young Asalanka finished the match with style, with a boundary.
My actions are unpredictable- Matheesha Pathirana
During the post-match presentation, Matheesha Pathirana was quite happy after winning the Player of the Match award. Matheesha Pathirana pointed out that his T20 skills are good for death overs and also made a huge remark on his action.
“This is my first POTM for my country; I’m happy about that. T20 skills are good for death overs. That’s why I took my wickets with slower balls. My actions are unpredictable. It’s a good advantage for me,” said Matheesha Pathirana.
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