Sri Lanka’s aspirations for reaching the Super 8 in the T20 World Cup took a severe hit with their second defeat in as many games. Despite Nuwan Thushara’s four-wicket haul, Sri Lanka could not defend a modest total of 124, losing to Bangladesh by two wickets with one over to spare.
Key Moment: Death Overs Collapse
Sri Lanka appeared to be on track for a competitive score, sitting at 100/3 after 14 overs. However, Rishad Hossain's double strike in the 15th over triggered a collapse, with Sri Lanka managing only 24 runs in the final six overs.
Sri Lanka’s Innings
- Phase Score: 53/2 [RR: 8.83, 4s/6s: 9/1]
Sri Lanka’s best phase came early, with Pathum Nissanka leading a brisk start despite losing Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis. Nissanka's aggressive batting included four boundaries off Shakib Al Hasan in one over.
- Phase Score: 50/2 [RR: 5.55, 4s/6s: 3/1]
Nissanka continued to anchor the innings post-powerplay but fell to Mustafizur Rahman, shifting the momentum. Bangladesh tightened their grip, and Rishad Hossain’s 15th over dismissed Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, drying up the boundaries.
- Phase Score: 21/4 [RR: 4.1, 4s/6s: 1/0]
Sri Lanka's innings unravelled in the final overs, managing only one boundary, which came from a misfield. Rishad’s effective bowling and Taskin Ahmed's containment ensured Sri Lanka finished at just 124.
Bangladesh’s Innings
- Phase Score: 34/3 [RR: 5.66, 4s/6s: 2/0]
Bangladesh's top order struggled, losing Soumya Sarkar and Tanzid Hasan early to Nuwan Thushara’s swing. Litton Das managed to survive but saw Najmul Shanto fall, leaving Bangladesh at 34/3.
- Phase Score: 66/2 [RR: 7.33, 4s/6s: 1/5]
Towhid Hridoy’s explosive 40 off 26 balls turned the game in Bangladesh's favour. He, along with Litton Das, attacked Sri Lanka’s bowlers, especially targeting Hasaranga, pushing Bangladesh to a manageable chase despite the late dismissals of both Hridoy and Das.
- Phase Score: 25/3 [RR: 6.25, 4s/6s: 0/1]
Although Thushara’s brilliant over gave Sri Lanka a glimmer of hope, Bangladesh eventually held their nerve. Mahmudullah’s decisive six off Dasun Shanaka in the final overs ensured Bangladesh's narrow win.
Brief Scores:
- Sri Lanka: 124/9 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 47; Mustafizur Rahman 3/17)
- Bangladesh: 125/8 in 19 overs (Towhid Hridoy 40, Litton Das 36; Nuwan Thushara 4/18)
Bangladesh’s next victory brings them closer to the Super 8s, while Sri Lanka faces an uphill battle to stay in contention.