Bangladesh was bowled out for a pitiful score thanks to Sri Lanka’s outstanding performance with the ball in the 2nd Asia Cup 2023 match. Both of the openers were underwhelming and left quickly. Only Najimul Shanto kept battling while holding one end up, almost right till the end.
As Bangladesh batsmen struggled to adjust to the two-paced character of the surface, wickets continued to fall from the other end. Theekshana outwitted Shanto with a carrom ball, preventing him from scoring a deserving century. Shanto was the only positive for the Bangladesh batting as he went back to the pavilion with a well-made 89.
Pathirana cut past them and finished with a 4-fer because he seemed to be too hot to handle for the tailenders. At Pallekele, the pitch does seem to improve with lighting, so the hosts should be expecting to challenge this.
Rain was expected for the day, and Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka stated he had taken that into account while making arrangements. A very little pause occurred, but other than that, the clouds did appear in the match.
Bangladesh outcasted by the Sri Lankan side in Pallekele
However, Bangladesh performed admirably throughout Sri Lanka’s innings. They took two early wickets which might have sparked some hope throughout the team. Despite maintaining tight control of the runs, Sri Lanka did not lose wickets in the middle overs which made it all but certain that the hosts will start their campaign with a win. They reached the target with five wickets to spare and through two fifties by Sadeera Samarawickrama as well as Charith Asalanka.
Shakib al Hasan, the Bangladesh skipper, spoke to the media after the game to reflect on his side’s disappointing result. He said, “It wasn’t a 300 wicket. 220-230 would’ve given us more chance. Didn’t bat well as a unit. Have to regroup, have another important game in a couple of days. Needed couple more wickets when they were 3 down for 30. We picked up wickets but didn’t have enough on the board. There were a lot of nerves when we started the game. Lot of guys playing Asia Cup for first time. They’ve been playing good cricket that’s why they’re in dressing room.”
Fans react to Sri Lanka thrashing Bangladesh during Asia Cup 2023:
– 4 players injured.
– 2 players Covid positive.
– Inexperienced side.Then came to Asia Cup and beaten Bangladesh in the first match – Fantastic performance by Lankan Lions. pic.twitter.com/DtpbbuvgHO
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 31, 2023
Yellow bloods carrying Sri Lanka ?
— ?????? (@legendmsd_07) August 31, 2023
Nice Gesture By Team Bangladesh to let Sri Lanka win match
— Veterinary Doctor ?????? (@Animal_Doctor_) August 31, 2023
they can beat Afghan, bangla nepal on any given day..
Would struggle against major teams
— Extraa Cover (@ExtraaaCover) August 31, 2023
Sri lanka se dar lag raha hai?
— Babar Azam (@BabarAzamAOC) August 31, 2023
CSK Bloods Perform Everywhere They Go ? pic.twitter.com/DEFrjKborN
— Aufridi Chumtya (@ShuhidAufridi) August 31, 2023
Missing ??? pic.twitter.com/vRDxKc0T0D
— Sajan (@Hey_Sajan) August 31, 2023
Don't underestimate power of srilankan cricket team.
Congratulations Sri Lanka ???
— Sajan (@Hey_Sajan) August 31, 2023
