Bangladesh took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka on Tuesday in Dhaka after beating the visitors by 103 runs (D/L Method) in a rain-affected match. Sri Lanka were restricted to 141/9 after the match was reduced to 40-over per side chasing 245.
Kusal Perera’s side didn’t really begin the proceedings very well but managed to put 71 in 18.2 overs at the cost of three wickets. The visiting side then witnessed a flurry of wickets only to get reduced to 122/9 before ending the match.
Mehidy Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman scalped three wickets each for the hosts while Shakib Al Hasan had a couple of scalps to his name.
Opener Danushka Gunathilaka top-scored with 24 off 46 balls.
Earlier, batting first, Bangladesh rode on Mushfiqur Rahim’s fine century to manage a score of 246 on the board before getting bundled out 48.1 overs.
The home side didn’t have a great start as they lost four early wickets but Rahim and Mahmudullah steadied the ship for the team and stitched a stand of 87 runs for the fifth wicket before Mahmudullah departed for 41.
The wicket-keeper batsman Mushfiqur, on the other side, went on to complete his ton. He scored 125 off 127 during the course.
Dushmantha Chameera and Lakshan Sandakan picked up three wickets each for Sri Lanka while Isuru Udana bagged a couple. Bangladesh were forced to make a concussion substitute after Mohammad Saifuddin was hit on his helmet while batting. Taskin Ahmed came in the match as his replacement.
The Sri Lankan captain expressed his disappointment on the defeat and put the onus on the middle-order collapse. “It's very disappointing. Both matches, the middle-order collapsed and lack of experience cost us. We need to have a serious talk. They have to back and believe in their strength and play fearless cricket,” Perera said.
Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim who was adjudged man of the match said that he was happy to make the vital contribution for the side.
“Contributing from the front was great, but I was disappointed not playing the last 11 balls. Mahmudullah batted well and a couple of guys chipped in, and the bowling effort was special tonight. There are areas we can improve. We need to be fearless, but there's a fine line between fearless and sense. Hopefully our batsmen take a few notes from this game and come back better next match, because this isn't the easiest pitch to bat on,” he said.
The Bangladesh side low lead the series 2-0 with the the third and final match to be played on Friday at the same venue.
For detailed scorecard and commentary, click here.