Sri Lanka outplayed Bangladesh in all departments on Saturday night, cruising to a six-wicket victory in their Asia Cup Group B clash at Zayed Cricket Stadium.
The win puts Charith Asalanka’s side in control of qualification while Bangladesh face a do-or-die against Afghanistan.
Asked to bat first, Bangladesh endured a horror start. Both openers were gone without scoring inside the first two overs – Tanzid Hasan bowled by Nuwan Thushara and Parvez Hossain Emon edging behind off Dushmantha Chameera.
By the fifth over Towhid Hridoy had been run out and Mahedi Hasan trapped lbw by Wanindu Hasaranga, leaving the innings in tatters at 38 for 4. When captain Litton Das fell for 28 in the 10th over, Bangladesh were staring at a collapse.
Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain dragged them to something respectable. The pair added 86 in a determined stand for the sixth wicket, Shamim finishing unbeaten on 42 off 34 while Jaker compiled 41 not out.
Still, 139 for 5 never looked like enough on a flat surface.
Sri Lanka’s reply was brisk and clinical. Pathum Nissanka gave them the early momentum with a rapid half-century – 50 from 34 balls, decorated with six boundaries and a six.
At the other end 23-year-old Kamil Mishara, back in the side after a spell away, anchored with 46 not out from 32 deliveries. The two added 95 for the second wicket and effectively killed the contest inside ten overs.
Bangladesh picked up a few late wickets – Mahedi removing Nissanka and Kusal Perera, Tanzim Sakib nicking off Dasun Shanaka – but the result was beyond doubt. Asalanka sealed it with a six in the 15th over, Sri Lanka reaching 140 for 4 with 32 balls to spare.
Hasaranga’s return was another plus for Sri Lanka. The legspinner bowled with control, claiming 2 for 25, while Chameera and Thushara each struck in the new-ball burst that left Bangladesh reeling.
Player of the Match Mishara said he simply followed Nissanka’s advice.
“Pathum told me to play my natural game and take my time. I’m happy I could finish it off,” he said after the match.
For Litton Das the assessment was blunt.
“We lost it in the powerplay,” the Bangladesh captain admitted. “On this pitch 140 was never enough. Against Afghanistan it’s do-or-die now.”
Bangladesh’s net run-rate has also taken a hit. To reach the Super Four they must not only beat Afghanistan but win big. Sri Lanka, by contrast, sit comfortably with two points and momentum firmly on their side.