Dambulla: Bangladesh batter Shamim Patwari expressed optimism about winning the three-match T20 series against Sri Lanka, following their comprehensive victory in the second match, which provided the team with a significant morale boost.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the visiting team initially lost the first game by seven wickets but made a remarkable comeback in the second match, defeating Sri Lanka by 83 runs. This victory marked Bangladesh’s largest win against any Test-playing nation in the T20 format. Captain Liton Das played a crucial role in the triumph with a dazzling 50-ball 76, while Shamim Patwari contributed a rapid 26-ball 48, helping the team achieve a challenging total of 177-7. In response, Sri Lanka was bowled out for 94 in 15.2 overs.
“First of all, we won the match, and that is the most pleasing thing. Now the series is level at 1-1, so this win was important for us,” Patwari told reporters in Dambulla after the game. “Now we have the chance to win the series, and hopefully,
if we play well, we will win it.”
Bangladesh had a shaky start in the second match, stumbling to 7-2 in the second over. However, a partnership between Liton Das and Towhid Hridoy, which added 69 runs, helped stabilize the innings. The momentum picked up when Shamim joined Liton, following the quick dismissals of Hridoy and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Together, Shamim and Liton added 77 runs off just 51 balls, putting the game out of Sri Lanka’s reach.
“Liton batted really well. It was a turning point because you need a good start early on, and because of that innings, we were able to finish strongly later,” Patwari remarked.
He also highlighted the importance of the partnership between Liton and Hridoy, noting that it was crucial, despite being somewhat slow.
“Sometimes, you have to slow things down a little,” he said. “At that point, we needed a good partnership because we had strong batters to come later in the innings, and we can always catch up if we have wickets in hand.”
Patwari expressed contentment with
his batting position, stating, “I am not worried about my batting position. The spot I am batting in right now, I feel very confident there.”
“Whenever I go out to bat, my plan is to stay positive. Someone has to take risks, and I want to take that responsibility for the team,” he added.