Inapt batting by the Sri Lankan top order by failure to phase out a chase of 245 was badly exposed as Bangladesh bounced back to win the decisive second of the 3-match ODI by 16 runs and draw level in a game that did well to comeback on a triumphant 16-run second ODI against Sri Lanka in a contest that No.5 Janith Liyanage almost pulled it off with a fighting 78 off 85 balls lit up by 7 boundaries and 2 sixes with support from No. 10 Dushmantha Chameera 13 a ninth-wicket 58-run alliance, but falling almost at the doorstep of victory last night at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.
By and large, Kusal Mendis was at his belligerent best reaching a 20-ball half century, but then when in full control of the situation threw it out of the window by an apparent rush of blood. He paid the price of rushing down the wicket to be rapped on the pad by Tanvir Islam for a successful LBW shout won on the review in a brilliant Player of the Match 5 for 39 haul.
It was one of those days that Sri Lanka’s most reliable batsmen Pathum Nissanka and skipper Charith Asalanka fell cheaply.
But from a Lankan point of view a lack of measured commitment by the frontline batsmen cost Sri Lanka the match of reaching an achievable target.
Bangladesh winning the toss posted 248, 4.1 overs short of 50 overs with opener Parvez Hossain Emon striking a run a ball 67 and No.4 Towhid Hridoy 51 off 69 with just the 2 boundaries to going past 200 with No.8 Tanzim Hasan Sakib clouting an unbeaten 33 off 21 with 2 over the top and to the ropes too.
Pacer Asitha Fernando was the pick of the Lankan bowlers with 4 for 35 runs and Wanindu Hasaranga 3 for 60.
But by and large overdependence on the pace bowlers in introducing spin wizards Wanindu Hasaranga who took 3 for 60 and Dunith Wellalage who went wicket less, but might have turned the game had he been brought on early, dented Sri Lanka’s chances.
Chief Scores:
Bangladesh 248 (45.5 Overs)
(Parvaz Hossain Emon 67, Towhid Hridoy 51, Tanzim Hasan Sakib 33, Jaker Ali 24, Shammin Hossain 22, Asitha Fernando 4/35, Wanindu Hasaranga 3/60, Charith Asalanka 1/24, Dushmantha Chameera 1/37)
