Sri Lanka messed up the third decisive T20 to going down to Bangladesh by an 8-wicket thrashing mainly caused by the own downfall indisciplined batting approach by the top order after winning the toss to trying to hit every ball out of the ground like a flying express train which was highly questionable as to discipline and professional approach to an innings yesterday as Bangladesh spearheaded by a superb 4 for 11 display by Mahidy Hasan Mitaz and unbeaten 73 off 47 balls by Tanzid Hasan with six sixes saw Bangladesh come from behind to display caused mainly by the frontline batsmen apparently trying to hit almost every ball t cco the boundary as if they were in a big hurry, Sri Lanka was simply blown off by a highly resurgent Bangladesh side that showcased brilliant smart cricket with the bowlers displaying the snuffing out depth that proved too much for a totally disorganised lot to winning handsomely by 8 wickets on a tremendous 4 for 11 Player of the Match act by Mahedi Hasan Miraz which was driven home to the hilt by opening batsman Tanzid Hasan’s unbeaten 73 off just 47 balls in taking the Lankan attack to the cleaners in Bangladesh score of 133 for 2 wickets off 16.3 overs in making light of the hosts 132 for 7 off 20 to coming from behind to clinch the 3-match T20 series 2-1 after losing the first one much to the disappointment of a capacity home crowd yesterday at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.
The only bright factor in the Lankan side was former captain Dasun Shanaka’s unbeaten cameo 36 off 25 hammering 21 off the last over by Shoriful Islam with 2 sixes and equal number of boundaries.
The only bright factor in the Lankan side was former captain Dasun Shanaka’s unbeaten cameo 36 off 25 hammering 21 off the last over by Shoriful Islam with 2 sixes and equal number of boundaries.
The failure of the Lankan top order for restraint in phasing out the innings made a big joke out of head coach Sanath Jayasuriya’s pre match statement that he expected one of the top order to bat through the innings.
Player selections too were highly questionable particularly omitting Dunith Wellalage, the match winning spin prodigy at the same venue.
Bangladesh 133 for 2 (Tanzid 73*, Litton 32, Mendis 1-21) beat Sri Lanka 132 for 7 (Nissanka 46, Shanaka 35*, Mahedi 4-11) by eight wickets
Former Sri Lanka white ball captain Dasun Shanaka hit a noteworthy unbeaten 35 at No 6.
It raised the question that Shanaka as pinch hitter is best suited to open the Lankan innings.