SL vs BAN, Asia Cup 2023 Super 4: Mendis, Sadeera shine as Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh by 21 runs

On Saturday, Sri Lanka kicked off the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2023 with a remarkable 21-run triumph over Bangladesh in Colombo. Captain Dasun Shanaka, along with Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana, each claimed three wickets, leading to Bangladesh’s collapse at 236 runs in 48.1 overs. Despite the valiant efforts of Towhid Hridoy, who scored an impressive 82 off 97 balls, he received minimal support from his teammates.

Bangladesh initially displayed promise in their pursuit of the target, with the openers forging a solid 50-plus partnership. However, Shanaka’s double blow triggered a collapse in the middle overs. Fortunately for Bangladesh, Hridoy and Mushfiqur Rahim steadied the ship by adding 72 runs for the fifth wicket.

Prior to this, Sadeera Samarawickrama showcased a stellar performance, amassing an impressive 93 runs off 72 balls, before unfortunately departing. His contribution was crucial in Sri Lanka’s total of 257/9 in 50 overs, especially considering their precarious position when they had lost half their side with just 164 runs on the board.

Sri Lanka seemed to be in a commanding position until Shoriful Islam’s double scalp in consecutive overs breathed new life into Bangladesh’s chances. This breakthrough shattered the 50-plus partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, with the latter falling just after completing his half-century. Nissanka, on the other hand, was dismissed for 40 runs off 60 balls.

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