Samarawickrama’s scintillating innings of 93 propelled Sri Lanka to a commanding 257-9 in their inaugural Super Four showdown of the Asia Cup against Bangladesh on a pivotal Saturday.
Samarawickrama’s masterful performance orchestrated Sri Lanka’s imposing total, one that their resolute bowlers defended tenaciously, thus thrusting Bangladesh perilously close to elimination in this prestigious 50-over competition, a prelude to the forthcoming World Cup set to grace the cricketing stage in India.
Despite the valiant efforts of Towhid Hridoy, who notched a commendable 82, Bangladesh faltered, succumbing to an all-out total of 236 in 48.1 overs. This setback marked their second defeat in the Super Four phase. With just one match remaining, Bangladesh’s hopes of securing a coveted spot in the final on September 17 now hinge on a mathematical miracle.
Dasun Shanaka, who celebrated his 32nd birthday on this memorable Saturday, played the role of the captain to perfection, contributing a vital 24 runs and clinching three crucial wickets with his medium-pace bowling.
Spinner Maheesh Theekshana and fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana mirrored Shanaka’s impact by each scalping three wickets.
Sri Lanka, who share the co-hosting duties of this tournament with Pakistan, initially stumbled when they were invited to bat first. Bangladesh’s fast bowlers persistently found chinks in their armor. However, Kusal Mendis, who amassed a well-earned half-century with 50 runs, and the resolute Samarawickrama ensured that Sri Lanka reached a competitive total. Their partnership of 60 runs reinvigorated the home crowd, although the stadium remained sparsely populated.
Samarawickrama, particularly, displayed his prowess by reaching his half-century in just 45 balls, before launching into an aggressive phase alongside Shanaka. Their partnership provided the necessary impetus for Sri Lanka.
Though Sri Lanka encountered a minor hiccup, Pathum Nissanka and Mendis stabilized the innings, accumulating 74 runs with judicious shot selection, compelling Bangladesh’s skipper, Shakib Al Hasan, to shuffle his bowling options.
Shoriful Islam was introduced into the attack, and he responded decisively by dismissing Nissanka, trapping him leg-before-wicket for 40 runs. Mendis celebrated his fifty with a boundary off Islam, but the fast bowler had his revenge just four deliveries later, claiming Mendis’s wicket.
The bowlers maintained their assault, but Samarawickrama, with a flurry of boundaries, seized the momentum and surpassed his previous best in one-day internationals of 82 runs. However, his splendid innings came to an end on the final ball.
Bangladesh’s innings began with promise as Mehidy Hasan Miraz launched a spirited counterattack, punctuating the Sri Lankan bowling attack with a flurry of boundaries alongside his opening partner, Mohammed Naim.
Shanaka, with his medium-pace deliveries, struck back, dislodging Miraz after a resilient 28-run contribution. Pathirana’s prized scalp of Shakib, caught behind for a mere three runs, further dented Bangladesh’s hopes.
The departure of Liton Das reduced Bangladesh to a precarious 83-4. Despite the partnership of 72 runs between Mushfiqur Rahim and Hridoy, their efforts were insufficient to reignite Bangladesh’s chances. Rahim, who managed 29 runs, fell to Dunith Wellalage’s skillful bowling.
Subsequently, Bangladesh’s batting lineup crumbled in a futile attempt to match the escalating run rate. Hridoy’s dismissal via leg-before-wicket off Theekshana signaled the end of their valiant effort.
AFP
