Bangladesh kicked off their Super Four campaign with a thrilling four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka.
Chasing 169, Bangladesh needed just five runs in the final over. Zakir Ali struck a boundary off the first ball to level the scores but was bowled on the very next delivery. The drama continued as Sheikh Mehedi Hasan was dismissed on review. However, Nasum Ahmed and Shamim Hossain held their nerves, securing the winning run with two balls to spare.
Earlier, chasing the target, Bangladesh lost Tanzid Hasan for a duck, but Saif Hasan and Liton Das steadied the innings with a 59-run stand. Liton contributed 21 before departing. Saif went on to score a fine 61, while Towhid Hridoy played an aggressive 58 off just 37 balls, laying the platform for victory. Zakir’s quickfire 9 also proved crucial at the death.
Sri Lanka had earlier posted 168/7, largely thanks to a blistering unbeaten 64 from skipper Dasun Shanaka off 37 balls, featuring six sixes and three fours. Mustafizur Rahman starred with the ball for Bangladesh, taking 3 for 20, while Mehedi Hasan claimed 2 for 25.
Result: Bangladesh won by 4 wickets.
Man of the Match: Saif Hasan.
Brief Scores:
Sri Lanka: 168/7 in 20 overs (Shanaka 64*, Kusal Mendis 34; Mustafizur 3/20, Mehedi 2/25)
Bangladesh: 169/6 in 19.5 overs (Saif 61, Hridoy 58; Shanaka 2/21, Hasaranga 2/22)