Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan became the leading wicket-taker in the history of T20 World Cup as he dismissed Pathum Nissanka of Sri Lanka in the 15th match of the on-going T20 World Cup 2021. Tied at 39 wickets after picking four wickets against Papua New Guinea, Shakib was brought in by the skipper Mahmudullah in the powerplay itself. But then he gave away five runs without picking any wicket.
Later, on his second coming in the ninth over, not only did Shakib break a dangerous-looking 69 run stand between Nissnaka and Charith Asalanka but in the same over also removed another Sri Lankan batter in Avishka Fernando for nought to bring the Tigers back into the contest. So far, Shakib has taken 11 wickets in this tournament.
The Bangladesh side started the defence of their 171 runs in a great style as World Cup debutant Nasum Ahmed removed experienced Sri Lanka opener, Kusal Perera, at the team score of only two runs in the very first over. But then Nissnaka and Asalanka brought the Lankan Lions back in the game with a 69 run stand in just 45 balls.
At the time of writing this, the Sri Lankan team were struggling at 81-4 in the 11th over, needing 91 runs in 45 balls.