SHARJAH: Super 12s – Charith Asalanka scored a brilliant 80 runs and hit a record 5 sixes in the match to guide Sri Lanka to a win by 5 wickets over Bangladesh chasing 171 runs.
Bangladesh being invited to bat first, scored 171 runs for the loss only 4 wickets in the 20 overs. Mohammed Naim (62 off 52 balls) and Mushfiqur Rahim cameo of 57 off 37 balls exploited the weaknesses in the Sri Lankan bowling.
Chasing 171 runs, Sri Lanka started off the chase with Kusal Perera out for one run. Pathum Nissanka (24 runs) together with Asalanka (80 runs) put together a 69 run partnership for the 2nd wicket. Quick fall of wickets due to the master spinner Shakib Al Hasan saw Sri Lanka struggling at 79 for 4 wickets in the 9 th over. A rising run rate and fall of wickets put Sri Lanka in the back foot. However, birth day boy Bhanuka Rajapaksa scored a valuable half century and put together a 86 run partnership with Asalanka see Sri Lanka home. Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets with 7 balls remaining by reaching 172 runs for the loss of 5 wickets.
Sri Lanka stands at 2nd position in the Group 1 points table with England on top due to higher run rate while Australia is at the 3rd position. Asalanka’s power packed innings earned him the player of the match. (RZ)
[Image credit icc-cricket.com]
