Delhi, Nov 6: In the battle of two similar Asian sides, who for sure did not perform as per their expectations in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 for different reasons, Sri Lanka on Monday set a target of 280 before Bangladesh at the Arun Jaitley International Cricket Stadium, here.
Chasing a 280 target, Bangladesh were 108/2 in 18 overs having lost opener Tanzid Hasan (9 in 5 balls) caught by Pathum Nissanka at cover. As in recent past, Lanka's new ball operator Dilshan Madushanka was the successful bowler, who continued to impress with his superb skill of taking wickets in the initial overs. Madushanka also removed seasoned Litton Das (LBW for 23 in 22 balls).
Though, the 38th match of the ICC ODI Men's ODI World Cup was more highlighted for Delhi air pollution and the rare 'Timed Out' dismissal of senior Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews, but the cricketers from the island nation did well to recover from early jolts to put up on board a respectable 279/10 in 49.3 overs.
The highlight of Sri Lanka's fight back was a valiant attacking century by middle order batsman Charith Asalanka.
Sri Lanka lost their left-handed talented opener Kusal Perera, after he made only 4 in the 5 balls he faced. Trying to drive a faster Shoriful Islam delivery, Perera edged a chance to Bangladesh keeper Mushfiqur Rahim, who dived to his left to grab a superb catch.
Lanka were 5/1 in the opening over. Skipper Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka then had a 61-run rebuilding phase.
But Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan, who brought himself into the attack in the 12th over, got his Lankan counterpart caught by Shoriful Islam at long-on. Mendis made 19 in 30 balls with one 4 and one six.
Pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib then got a well settled, confident looking, aggressive Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka for 41. Lanka were suddenly in trouble with 73/3 in 12.4 overs.
Sadeera Samarawickrama did impress again in 2023 ODI World Cup, with run-a-ball effort.
But trying to play a lofted shot to mid-wicket region against Shakib Al Hasan, he was superbly caught by one of the finest deep fielders of Bangladesh side Mahmudullah. Samarawickrama made 41 in 42 balls.
There was more trouble in store for Sri Lanka, as veteran Angelo Mathews could not take strike in the stipulated three minutes time allotted to a new batter, after fall of a wicket.
Mathews, was given Timed Out, much to his shock and anguish. In a batting paradise, Lanka were in dire troubles with 135/5 in 24.2 overs.
In fact, former Sri Lanka cricketer Russel Arnold, who was on a live-show, reacted to the peculiar Mathew's dismissal as the first such incident in international cricket. Later, the ICC too confirmed that Mathews was indeed the first to be dismissed Timed Out in an international match.
Dhananjaya de Silva, who walked out to bat after Mathews' peculiar dismissal, scored 34 in 36 balls. With Charith Asalanka, de Silva reconstructed the Lankan innings. But he was stumped by keeper Musfiqur Rahim, as Mehidy Hasan Miraz had his solitary scalp in the match. Miraz finished his quota of 10 overs with 1/49 figure.
Spin bowling all-rounder Maheesh Theekshana (22 in 31 balls) showed some resolve but he too departed trying to accelerate the run rate. He was caught by Nasun Ahmed of Shoriful Islam.
The major bright spot in the Lankans innings was the 108-run innings played by their middle order batter Charith Asalanka. He was almost the lone ranger for the Sri Lankans. He hit six 4s and five huge sixes in his 105 scintillating knock.
Once Asalanka fell to Tanzim Hasan Sakib, as Litton Das grabbed a well judged catch on the off side in 48.4 overs, the Lankans failed to even survive the last over. They were bundled out in the next five balls adding only one run to their total.
Among the Bangladeshi bowlers, Tanzim Hasan Sakib was the most successful one with 3/80 in his allotted 10 overs quota.
Shoriful Islam and Shakib Al Hasan claimed two scalps each, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz had one wicket against his name.
Earlier, there was lot of discussion on the severe air pollution in the Indian capital as both teams had difficulties in having their pre-match practice sessions.
(Match Unfinished)
