Sadeera Samarawickrama played a stellar innings of 93 runs, guiding Sri Lanka to a 21-run victory over Bangladesh in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup on Saturday. This win puts Sri Lanka in a strong position in the 50-over tournament, which serves as a precursor to the upcoming World Cup in India.
Bangladesh struggled to chase Sri Lanka’s total of 257-9 and were eventually dismissed for 236 in 48.1 overs. Towhid Hridoy’s impressive knock of 82 wasn’t enough to secure a win for Bangladesh, who now face the possibility of elimination from the tournament.
Sri Lanka’s captain, Dasun Shanaka, celebrated his 32nd birthday with a valuable contribution of 24 runs and three wickets. Spinner Maheesh Theekshana and fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana also took three wickets each, playing a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s victory.
Earlier in the match, Sri Lanka struggled after being asked to bat first, with Bangladesh’s fast bowlers consistently taking wickets. However, Kusal Mendis’ half-century and Samarawickrama’s aggressive innings ensured that Sri Lanka reached a competitive total on a challenging pitch.
Samarawickrama reached his fifty in just 45 balls and then formed a valuable 60-run partnership with Shanaka, thrilling the home fans in the sparsely populated stadium.
Despite a promising start, Bangladesh’s batting faltered as Sri Lanka’s bowlers maintained pressure. Hridoy and Mushfiqur Rahim attempted a fightback with a 72-run partnership, but it wasn’t enough as Sri Lanka’s bowlers continued to pick up wickets at crucial moments.
In the end, Samarawickrama’s exceptional innings and Sri Lanka’s collective bowling effort ensured their victory against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup.
With one match remaining in the Super Four stage, Bangladesh’s chances of reaching the final on September 17 seem slim, unless they can produce a remarkable turnaround in their final match.
The Asia Cup 2023 is being co-hosted by Sri Lanka and Pakistan, providing an exciting preview of the upcoming World Cup in India.