Sri Lanka are the co-host of the Asia Cup 2023. Today, they started their journey in the Asia Cup 2023, where they secured a dominating victory against Bangladesh. At Pallekele International Stadium, Sri Lanka welcomed Bangladesh to play their first game in this tournament. However, the home side gave Bangladesh no chance and won the match by five wickets.
Toss: Shakib Al Hasan, the captain of Bangladesh, won the toss and opted to bat first.
Batting Innings of Bangladesh
The team selection of Bangladesh for the Asia Cup 2023 has been very controversial. Senior cricketer Mahmudullah Riyad wasn’t selected for this tournament, while Tamim Iqbal is out of the squad due to injury. In addition, Liton Das has also been left out of the squad due to illness.
Therefore, Naim Sheikh started the batting innings for Bangladesh with Tanzid Hasan, who made his debut in this game. Unfortunately, both openers failed to get a good start for the team. Opener Tanzid Hasan had gone duck in his very first innings for Bangladesh as he left the crease after being LBW in the 2nd over. Naim Sheikh also went back to the pavilion, scoring 16 runs.
After that, skipper Shakib Al Hasan stepped in to rescue the team. But he also failed to contribute much. Young pacer Matheesha Pathirana picked up the Bangladeshi captain in the 10.4 over.
However, Najmul Hossain Shanto once again played a much needed innings for Bangladesh. He has been the top scorer in recent games for Bangladesh. With Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto added 59 runs on the scoreboard. Relying on their bats, Bangladesh were looking good. But Dasun Shanaka broke their partnership by taking the wicket of Towhid Hridoy, who scored 20 off 41.
Besides, Najmul Hossain Shanto fought for his life to make a good result, but the other batters failed to continue like him. In the end, Najmul Shanto’s innings ended with 89 runs. After him, the Lankan bolwers took all the wickets of Bangladesh in just 164 runs.
Batting Innings of Sri Lanka
Chasing a small target, the home team also lost some early wickets. Taskin Ahmed drew the first blood as he bowled out Dimuth Karunaratne. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis also failed to survive long. It seemed Sri Lanka could also suffer like Bangladesh.
But Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka were brlliant between the wickets to chase the target. Together they added 78 runs on the scoreboard, which made a basement for the Lankans. Although Samarawickrama lost his wicket after scoring54 runs, Asith Asalanka remained not out until the last. Relying on his unbeaten 62 runs, Sri Lanka chased the target with five wickets in hand.
Score Card
Bangladesh: 164/10
Sri Lanka: 165/5
Result: Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets
