In a match dominated by Sri Lankan bowlers at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka emerged victorious against Bangladesh in the second match of the Asia Cup 2023. Despite winning the toss and electing to bat first, Shakib-al-Hasan led side struggled to capitalize on the opportunity, managing a total of 164 runs before being bowled out in 42.4 overs. Shakib-al-Hasan should have shown some responsibility with the bat in hand
In response, Sri Lanka chased down the target with 5 wickets in hand, achieving 165 runs in 39 overs. With this win, Sri Lanka have now won 11 ODIs in a row, their longest winning streak in ODI cricket history.
Top Performers of the match
Matheesha Pathirana, a 20-year-old talent playing at his home city, showcased exceptional bowling skills, taking 4 wickets in 7.4 overs while conceding only 32 runs at an impressive economy rate of 4.2. His remarkable spell helped Sri Lanka restrict Bangladesh to a low total. Pathirana’s outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match award. Maheesh Theekshana also stood out, claiming 2 crucial wickets for just 19 runs in his 8 overs.
Sadeera Samarawickrama played a pivotal role in the Sri Lankan run chase, contributing a steady innings of 54 runs from 77 balls, including 6 boundaries. Furthermore, Charith Asalanka’s match-winning knock of 62 runs off 92 balls, featuring 5 fours and 1 six, solidified Sri Lanka’s victory.
Absence of Star players didn’t affect Sri Lanka’s morale
Sri Lanka faced the challenge of entering the tournament without four key players due to injuries. Star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga’s absence, along with injuries to pacers Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Madushanka, and Lahiru Kumara, forced the team to make adjustments in their squad selection. However, despite these setbacks, Sri Lanka managed to secure a crucial victory against the Bangladesh side led by Shakib-al-Hasan.
220-230 would have given us more chance- Shakib-al-Hasan
After the defeat, Bangladeshi Captain Shakib Al Hasan expressed his thoughts in the post-match presentation. Shakib pointed out that a score around 230 would have given the team a chance. Shakib stated that they needed a couple of more wickets when Sri Lanka were 3 down for 30
“It wasn’t a 300 wicket. 220-230 would’ve given us more chance. Didn’t bat well as a unit. Have to regroup, have another important game in a couple of days. Needed a couple more wickets when they were 3 down for 30. We picked up wickets but didn’t have enough on the board,” said Shakib-al-hasan.
“There were a lot of nerves when we started the game. Lot of guys playing Asia Cup for the first time. They’ve been playing good cricket, that’s why they’re in the dressing room,” he added.
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