Sri Lanka staged an incredible comeback against Bangladesh, inspired by opener Pathum Nissanka, who scored 114 runs off just 113 balls at Chattogram on Friday.
Despite a rocky start in which Sri Lanka were 43-3, Nissanka found a strong ally in Charith Asalanka, who contributed an impressive 91 runs to their fourth-wicket stand.
Their 185-run partnership not only rescued Sri Lanka but also carried them to a competitive total of 287-7 by the 48th over, with Wanindu Hasaranga’s imposing bowling numbers of 4-45 earlier curtailing Bangladesh’s innings.
Nissanka’s spectacular performance came to an end after his sixth ODI century, when Mehidy Hasan forced him into a catch to Liton Das at deep midwicket. Asalanka followed suit soon after.
The lower order, led by Dunith Wellalage and Hasaranga, showed great composure, scoring 34 important runs for the seventh wicket to help Sri Lanka win. Wellalage’s key strike, a boundary off Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, secured the victory with 3.5 overs remaining.
Meanwhile, Hasaranga demonstrated his all-round talent, not just with the ball but also with important contributions in the batting department.
Despite a brave effort from Bangladesh’s middle order, led by Towhid Hridoy’s unbroken 96, the team fell short, scoring 286-7 in their allotted overs. Hridoy’s hit, consisting of three fours and five sixes, offered some late pyrotechnics, but it was unable to tip the scales in Bangladesh’s favor.
