Abu dhabi: A poor batting performance led Bangladesh to a six-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in their second game of the Asia Cup T20 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bangladesh had previously secured a seven-wicket victory over Hong Kong in their first match but were unable to replicate that success against a stronger Sri Lankan team. After being asked to bat first, Bangladesh managed a moderate score of 139-5, which Sri Lanka chased down in just 14.4 overs, reaching 140-4.
Opener Pathum Nissanka played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s pursuit, scoring a rapid 50 off 34 balls, including six fours and one four. He was supported by Kamil Mishra, who capitalized on an early reprieve to score an unbeaten 46 off 32 deliveries. Mishra had a close call when Mahedi Hasan dropped his catch at mid-on off Shoriful Islam’s bowling in the fifth over. Mishra’s innings featured four boundaries and two sixes, and he ended the match with two runs.
Despite Mustafizur Rahman’s early breakthrough for Bangladesh by dismissing Kusal Mendis for just 3 runs, the 95-run partnership between Mishra and Nissanka took the game away from Bangladesh. Mahedi Hasan, who recorded figures of 2-29, managed to dismiss Nissanka, but by then, Sri Lanka was on the brink of victory.
Bangladesh’s batting began with a top-order collapse, losing their first three wickets for just 11 runs, putting their chances in jeopardy. Shamim Patwari and Jaker Ali Anik shared an 86-run partnership for the undefeated sixth wicket, providing Bangladesh with a total to defend. This partnership is the highest for the sixth wicket or below in the T20 Asia Cup.
Patwari was unbeaten on 42, hitting three fours and one six from 34 balls, while Jaker Ali Anik remained not out with 41 runs, including two fours from the same number of deliveries. Captain Liton Das contributed 28 runs, helping to stabilize the innings after the early setbacks.
Bangladesh’s innings saw Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Parvez Hossain Emon dismissed for ducks within the first 10 balls, and Liton Das was the first to score. However, Towhid Hridoy’s run-out for 8 added to Bangladesh’s troubles. Mahedi Hasan briefly partnered with Liton to steady the innings, but legspinner Wanindu Hasanranga’s introduction further stalled Bangladesh’s progress. Hasanranga removed Mahedi for 9 and Liton in consecutive overs, finishing with figures of 2-25 in four overs.
Despite the early setbacks, the resilience of Jaker and Patwari offered Bangladesh’s bowlers a target to defend, but it was not enough to secure victory.