T20 World Cup 2024: Bangladesh beats Sri Lanka in a low scoring thriller
In a low scoring thrilling at the Texas Cricket Ground in Dallas, Bangladesh beats Sri Lanka by 2 wickets in their opening match of the T20 World Cup 2024. Chasing a modest target of 125 runs, Bangladesh clinched the win with 6 balls to spare, thanks to a fighting performance from their middle order.
Sri Lanka, after electing to bat first, got off to a decent start with Pathum Nissanka (47 runs) and Kusal Mendis (10 runs) putting on a 21-run opening partnership. However, the Sri Lankan batting faltered after the openers’ dismissals. Kamindu Mendis (4 runs) and Dhananjaya de Silva (21 runs) failed to convert promising starts, leaving the team at 70 for 3 in the 9th over.
Also Read: Canada stuns Ireland by 12 runs in T20 World Cup 2024
Charith Asalanka (19 runs) and Wanindu Hasaranga (0 runs) also fell cheaply, putting Sri Lanka in a precarious position. The middle order collapse was well-created by the Bangladeshi bowlers, with Rishad Hossain being the pick of the attack. Hossain scalped 3 crucial wickets for just 22 runs.
Angelo Mathews (16 runs) tried to revive the inning, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. Sri Lanka eventually managed to score only 124 runs in their 20 overs, a total that seemed below par on this pitch.
Bangladesh’s chase also began on a shaky note, as they lost their openers – Soumya Sarkar (0 runs) and Tanzid Hasan (6 runs) – within the first two overs. Litton Das (36 runs) and Towhid Hridoy (40 runs) steadied the ship. However, the Sri Lankan spinners, Wanindu Hasaranga and Dhananjaya de Silva, struck back, taking 2 quick wickets.
Bangladesh found themselves in a precarious position at 99 for 5 in the 15th over, needing 26 runs from the last five overs with 5 wickets remaining.
This is where the Bangladesh middle order showed their grit. Mahmudullah (16 runs) took Bangladesh to a thrilling victory.
Nuwan Thushara, the Sri Lankan fast bowler, emerged as a late threat, taking 3 wickets in his final 2 overs. However, by then, Bangladesh needed just a handful of runs and managed to achieve the target with 6 balls to spare.
BAN vs SRI: Star Players
- Rishad Hossain (Bangladesh): Player of the Match for – 3 wickets for 22 runs.
- Nuwan Thushara (Sri Lanka): Took 4 wickets for 18 runs in a late fightback.
- Towhid Hridoy (Bangladesh): Played a crucial cameo inning of 40 runs.
This victory will significantly boost Bangladesh’s confidence as they begin their T20 World Cup campaign. For Sri Lanka, this is a disappointing start to the tournament. Their batting performance was a concern, and they will need to address it quickly before their next match.
Both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will need to win their upcoming matches to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the next round. The upcoming matches are going to be an exciting battle to watch in T20 World Cup 2024.
