Asia Cup 2023: Sri Lanka Beats Bangladesh By 5 Wickets; Pathirana And Asalanka Shine

Pallekele: Sri Lanka registered comprehensive 5-wickets win against Bangladesh in the second game of the ongoing Asia Cup on Thursday at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele.

The Lankans delivered an all-round performance in the game to start the Asia Cup 2023 campaign in style. After restricting Bangladesh at 164/10 in 42.4 overs, Sri Lanka chased the paltry target at the loss of five wickets.

While batting first, Bangladesh could not find the momentum right from the start as it lost the first wicket in the 2nd over of the game. It was M Theekshana who trapped opener Tanzid Hasan (0) leg-before wicket in the 2nd over.

While rest of the batters struggled to find some ground, Najmul Hossain Shanto (89) stood firm in the crease to take his side to a respectable total. For Sri Lanka, Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana picked four and two wickets, respectively.

In response, Sri Lanka too had a troublesome start as the host were soon reduced to 43/3. Dimuth Karunaratne (1 off 3), Pathum Nissanka (14 off 13), and Kusal Mendis (5 off 21) were back to the pavilion till 9.2 overs.

However, wicket-keeper batter Sadeera Samarawickrama (54 off 77) and Charith Asalanka (62 off 92) brought their A-game to take their side home.

ALSO READ || Proud Moment For Me: Babar On Kohli’s ‘Top Batter’ Remark

With that win, Sri Lanka registered 11^th consecutive win in the ODI format. Matheesha Pathirana was adjudged Player of the Match for his incredible spell in the 1^st innings.

ALSO READ || Asia Cup 2023: Babar Azam Smashes 19th ODI Ton In Asia Cup Opener vs Nepal

Bangladesh will now seek their maiden win when they will take on Afghanistan on September 3 at Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will be back in action on September 5 at the same venue against Afghanistan.