The semifinal dream is already over for Bangladesh. But the match against Sri Lanka was very important for them to ensure their eligibility in the ICC Champions Trophy. To play the ICC Champions Trophy, which will take place in 2025, a team must finish the World Cup within the top eight position. Therefore, Bangladesh had no alternative to defeating Sri Lanka today.
However, skipper Shakib Al Hasan displayed his all-round performance today against Sri Lanka, which led Bangladesh to win the game by three wickets. Even though Bangladesh won, Angelo Matthews’ dismissal was controversial as he was given “Time Out.”
Match Report
Captain Shakib Al Hasan won the toss and opted to bowl first against the Lankan. The captain’s decision seemed right as Bangladesh picked up an early wicket. Pacer Shoriful took the wicket of Kusal Perera in the very first over.
After that, Pathum Nissanka tried to settle down on the crease and made a partnership of 61 runs with Kusal Mendis. However, Shakib Al Hasan broke their partnership by taking Kusal Mendis in the 11.3 over. Pathum Nissanka also followed the same way after a while.
It seemed Bangladesh would take control of the match. But Charith Asalanka kept Sri Lanka going forward to a big score. But the other batters failed to build a partnership with him. The Lankans fans were hoping Matthews could give enough support to Asalanka to make a long partnership.
But Matthews was very late to step onto the pitch. He took more than two minutes to be prepared, which was against the law. That is why Shakib Al Hasan appealed for the “Timed Out” and the umpire gave the wicket after discussing it with the third umpire. It has been the very first “Time Out” wicket in the history of cricket, which has become a very controversial thing. Anyway, Sri Lanka posted a total of 279 runs, relying on Charith Asalanka’s century.
Chasing the target, Bangladesh lost two wickets in 41 runs. But Shakib Al Hasan strongly handled the disaster with Najmul Hossain Shanto. They made a fantastic partnership of 169 runs, which took Bangladesh closer to the target. They both were close enough to get the century but were very unfortunate.
Angelo Matthews picked up these two batters Shakib Al Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto. Shakib departed with 82 off 65 balls, while Shanto returned to the pavilion after scoring 90 runs. Angelo Matthews made this match more exciting by taking those two wickets.
However, Mahmudullah Riyad and Towhid Hridoy smartly chased the target in the remaining over. Although Mahmudullah Riyad lost his wicket after scoring 22 runs, Towhid Hridoy was unbeaten in 15 off 7. In the end, Bangladesh won the match by 3 wickets and have kept their hope for the Champions Trophy alive.
