Dasun Shanaka has bowled an eight-run, two-wicket final over for Sri Lanka to beat Bangladesh by three runs in an exciting Twenty20 collection opener on Monday.
Sri Lanka posted a decent 3-206 with half-centuries from Sadeera Samarawickrama (61 not out off 48 balls) and and Kusal Mendis (59 off 36).
But debutant Jaker Ali gave Bangladesh an awesome likelihood at victory till he was out within the tense final over for 68 with 10 runs wanted and three balls left. Bangladesh had been finally left stranded on 203-8.
“Jaker showed a lot of intent, just like what he did in the (Bangladesh Premier League) but unfortunately we ended up losing,” Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto mentioned. “We started well with the ball but did not execute our plans later.”
In retrospect the late hitting of stand-in Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka, who made a 21-ball 44 not out with six sixes, was essential.
He and Samarawickrama added 72 off 32 balls.
“It is short boundaries, lot of dew around, and we have to give the bowlers a chance as well,” Asalanka mentioned.
Bangladesh had been decreased to 3-30 within the fifth over after Angelo Mathews took two wickets.
Veteran Mahmudullah, who made 54 off 31 enjoying his first T20 in two years, counter-attacked to carry the Tigers again within the contest. Jaker then led them to the brink earlier than Shanaka denied Bangladesh victory.
The second match of three is on Wednesday.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
