Bangladesh choked the hosts Sri Lanka in the last match of the series to 132/7.
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and opted to bat first at R. Premadasa Stadium in the third T20I decider. But Bangladesh’s bowlers had other plans, dismantling Sri Lanka’s batting lineup in a disciplined display.
The hosts swiftly slumped to 58/4 in 9.1 overs, as spinnner Mahedi Hasan led the assault, snaring three top-order wickets for just 11 runs in four overs. His scalps—Perera, Chandimal, and Asalanka—were crucial blows in quick succession. Shoriful Islam struck early as well, accounting for Kusal Mendis, nudging Sri Lanka into deep trouble.
In recovery, Pathum Nissanka offered some resistance, anchoring the innings with a combative 46 off 39 balls, including four boundaries. However, he received scant support; wickets tumbled at regular intervals as Bangladesh’s attack maintained tight control.
At the 13-over mark, Sri Lanka reeled at 88/6, the result of Mehedi-backed spin pressure, Shariful’s pace, and disciplined fielding. Kamindu Mendis provided a brief glimmer, contributing 21 from 15 deliveries before falling to Shamim Hossain Patwari in a well-executed catch.
A late cameo from Dasun Shanaka—35 off 25 balls—lifted the tail towards respectability, but Bangladesh’s bowlers trod firmly, leveraging spin and seam to perfection.
Shak Mehedi Hasan delivered a career-best performance, claiming 4 wickets for just 11 runs—including a maiden—in his 4-over spell. Mustafizur Rahman was economical as well, conceding only 17 runs and picking up 1 wicket in his 4 overs.
In stark contrast, Shoriful Islam leaked 50 runs in his full quota of 4 overs for a solitary wicket. The rest of the bowling unit, however, combined to give away just 82 runs in the remaining 16 overs.
Source: Daily Sun
--Agencies
