Bowlers send Sri Lanka into final
25 January, 2018
Lakmal was the wrecker-in-chief to unsettle the Bangladesh batting. AFP
Sri Lanka handed Bangladesh one of their worst losses as a 10-wicket victory on Thursday sent the former world champions into the final of the tri-nation series.
After bundling Bangladesh out for a sorry 82 in the last of the tri-nation series' group matches at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, some fireworks from Upul Tharanga and Danushka Gunathilaka finished the chase in just 11.4 overs.
Gunathilaka hit 40 off 36 balls while Tharanga made 34 in 36 balls to steer the team to the win.
Winning the toss, Tigers skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza opted to bat first, but Suranga Lakmal struck twice inside the first five overs and a run out meant Bangladesh had the worst start.
Anamul Haque once again failed to reach double figure as Lakmal bowled him while in-form Tamim Iqbal gave a catch to Danushka Gunathilaka, who got Shakib Al Hasan run out in between as well.
Only Mushfiqur Rahim (26) and Sabbir Rahman (10) could reach double figure as the rest of the team meekly surrendered before a controlled Sri Lanka bowling.
Lakmal ended the day with three wickets while Dushmantha Chameera, Thisara Perera and Lakshan Sandakan bagged two wickets each to see the Bangladesh batsmen off.
This was a must win game for Sri Lanka if they were to reach the final and Chandika Hathurusingha has led the team to a final in his first assignment despite a forgettable beginning in the tournament.
Bangladesh had won all three of their previous games to ensure a spot in the final, but they have to shrug off today's loss as soon as possible.
TAG(s):