In match 15 of the ICC T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by 5 wickets in their highest successful run chase in T20 World Cup. It was also their third-highest successful chase in T20Is. Charith Asalanka was sensational, scoring 80 runs off 49 deliveries from the number three position, Sri Lanka’s weakest batting position going into the tournament. He’s certainly made it his own, demonstrating that he can attack in the Powerplay while also anchoring in the middle overs.
Bangladesh’s bowlers, Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman must be furious at the prospect of leaving overs in reserve. By the time Shakib came in to deliver his third over in the 17th over, Sri Lanka had completely taken control of the chase.
The tale of the first innings
Bangladesh’s openers got them off to a strong start, and Mushfiqur Rahim put the finishing touches on it with his maiden T20 World Cup fifty. Naim laid the groundwork by taking on the bowlers in the powerplay.
Bangladesh’s 171 for 4 appeared a solid – if not quite dominant – score, despite the short boundary on one side. Both Naim and Mushfiqur went after the square boundaries, but Mushfiqur was particularly good at manoeuvring around the crease to get into positions that allowed him to attack the short side of the field. Bangladesh’s innings were well supported by the pair’s partnership, which was worth 71 runs off 51 balls. Mushfiqur’s fifty was his fourth in T20Is overall, and his third against Sri Lanka.
The tale of the second innings
For the first time in the series, Sri Lanka’s batting had outperformed their bowlers. It wasn’t even the veteran who did it. Sri Lanka’s new generation was rising. Charith Asalanka, from Sri Lanka’s shaky number three slot, delivered the game’s best effort, striking 80 not out off 49 balls while chasing 172 on a tricky surface. Along the way, he was joined by Pathum Nissanka, with whom he put up a 69-run stand before Bhanuka Rajapaksa stepped in at No. 6 and struck 53 off 31, ultimately securing the game.