Cricket
Asalanka-Nissanka heroics guide Lankans to level with Tigers in ODI series
After a monumental 185-run partnership between Charith Asalanka and Pathum Nissanka in the fourth wicket while chasing a target of 287, Bangladesh found themselves facing an uphill battle in the second ODI against Sri Lanka on Friday.
Sri Lanka suffered an early setback when Avishka Fernando fell victim to a first-ball duck, courtesy of a solid catch at slip by Soumya Sarkar off the bowling of left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam.
Losing two more wickets quickly, Sri Lanka seemed to be tilting in Bangladesh's favor. However, Asalanka and Nissanka had different plans. They launched a counterattack after Kusal Mendis was caught behind by Mushfiqur Rahim off Taskin Ahmed's delivery, steering Sri Lanka to 228 runs with over 12 overs remaining.
Taskin Ahmed and Mushfiqur Rahim combined once again to dismiss Asalanka for 91, just shy of his century, dealing a crucial blow to Sri Lanka's hopes. But Nissanka was firm at the other end of the wicket. He ended up 114 for 113. Wanindu Hasaranga's contribution of 25 runs sealed the deal for Sri Lanka.
Ultimately, Sri Lanka secured victory by three wickets with 17 balls to spare, leveling the series. The third match, scheduled for March 18 at the same venue, now serves as a virtual final.
In the first innings, Towhid Hridoy and Soumya Sarkar steered Bangladesh to a competitive total of 286 for 7. Despite a shaky start with Litton Das enduring a duck, Soumya and Najmul Hossain Shanto steadied the ship before Towhid's unbeaten 96 propelled Bangladesh's late surge, adding 56 runs in the final five overs.
While Bangladesh may have little consolation from this match, Sri Lanka gained significantly, notably from the record-breaking partnership between Asalanka and Nissanka. Their 185-run stand is the highest-ever fourth-wicket partnership by Sri Lanka in ODIs against any opponent, providing a significant confidence boost ahead of the decisive third match.//
Second ODI: Towhid, Soumya propel Tigers to 286 vs Sri Lanka
Smashing his career-best knock of unbeaten 96, Towhid Hridoy propelled the Tigers to a fighting total of 286 in the second ODI of the three-match series against Sri Lanka on Friday in Chattogram.
Bangladesh were sent to bat first after Sri Lanka won the toss. The hosts again suffered a devastating early blow when Litton Das fell early for a duck. However, Soumya Sarkar and captain Najmul Hossain Shanot made sure that the top order would not crumble, adding 75 runs in the second wicket stand.
They carefully built the foundation. Shanto fell for 40 off 39 balls. He got a great start but failed to carry on. Following his dismissal, Soumya and Towhid put up a partnership of 55 runs before Soumya fell prey to Wanindu Hasaranga for 68.
Bangladesh endured a double blow as Mahmudullah Riyad returned a duck off three balls following the dismissal of Soumya.
Towhid was firm at the other end of the wicket. He moved on slowly and hit his seventh fifty in ODIs. Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz both got their starts but were disappointed to end up playing big innings.
Tanzim Hasan partnered Towhid well, scoring 18 runs off 33 balls. After Tanzim was dismissed, Taskin Ahmed came in and scored some quick runs. In the last five overs, Bangladesh scored 54 runs, thanks to six sixes— five from Towhid.
Eventually, Towhid was unbeaten for 96, while Taskin was not out for 18.
For Sri Lanka, Hasaranga took four wickets, conceding 45 runs, while Dilshan Madushanka took two wickets.
Sri Lanka wins the toss and will bowl 1st in 2nd one-day match against Bangladesh
Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and sent Bangladesh in to bat in the second one-day cricket international on Friday in a bid to stay alive in the three-match series.
Sri Lanka made one change to the squad that lost by six wickets in the first match. Left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage replaced offspinner Maheesh Thikshana.
Bangladesh, aiming to seal the series with a match to spare, remained unchanged.
Sri Lanka won the recently concluded Twenty20 series 2-1. The teams will play two test matches beginning March 22 in Sylhet and March 30 in Chattogram.
Lineups:
Bangladesh: Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (captain), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka.
US to host Bangladesh and Canada ahead of T20I World Cup
In the lead-up to the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup, the United States will host the Canadian and Bangladeshi cricket teams, the Cricket (USAC) announced on Thursday.
The series will see the US playing against Canada in a five-match T20I series beginning on April 7, followed by a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh starting from May 21. All matches will take place at the Prairie View Cricket Complex (PVCC) in Houston, Texas.
The confirmation of the matches comes after successful discussions between USAC, Cricket Canada, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and the International Cricket Council (ICC).
“The Bangladesh Team's upcoming tour of the USA marks a historic occasion in the realm of cricket. This T20I series signifies a momentous opportunity for the cricketers of both nations to showcase their talent and passion for the sport,” as Nizam Uddin Chowdhury, the CEO of the BCB, was quoted as saying in a press release sent by the BCB.
He also said that the series would serve the Bangladesh team as the ideal platform to acclimatise to the conditions ahead of the World Cup.
“There is a massive Bangladesh community in the USA and North America, and I am sure the fans will come in numbers to enjoy the matches, adding to the vibrant atmosphere and fervor of the games,” he added.
The matches between Bangladesh and the USA will take place on May 21, 23 and 25 respectively.
Shanto shines with a calm century as Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka in first ODI
Bangladesh lost the openers early in the innings while chasing a total of 255 runs. Both Litton Das and Soumya Sarkar failed to lay a good foundation. Towhid Hridoy also failed to make an impact. Mahmudullah Riyad was doing well before falling after apparently struggling with his leg. From 23 for 3, Bangladesh were at 92 for four.
From that shaky start, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim guided Bangladesh to a six-wicket win in the first of the three-match ODI series on Wednesday in Chattogram.
Along the way, Shanto hit a century and remained unbeaten for 122, with Mushfiqur posting 73 off 84 balls. Both the innings played the main role in taking the game away from Sri Lanka’s reach.
Dilshan Madushanka scalped both the first wickets, and he put a huge pressure on the top order of Bangladesh, which eventually crumbled quickly. But Shanto stood firm, and he made a pair of partnerships with Mahmudullah first and then with Mushfiqur.
“The way Mahmudullah started his innings helped me a lot, after that Mushi (Mushfiqur) showed his experience- we all know how capable he is. I hope he will continue his form,” Shanto said to the broadcaster after the match.
Shanto, the left-handed batter, and Bangladesh captain looked calm and composed throughout the innings. Musfhiqur also played a big role in keeping Shanto calm and focused on his game.
Bangladeshi bowlers have also done well. Sri Lanka made a good start batting first after winning the toss on a wicket that traditionally favors the batters. But the bowlers worked hard during the middle overs and eventually bowled them out inside the 49th over.
The Bangladesh pace attack did particularly well on the tricky surface taking three wickets each.
“First of all, I believe in all the bowlers. We started with Taskin and Shoriful. They tried, but on a wicket like this, it's hard for them,” Shanto told the broadcaster after the match. “But the way they came back, I'm really happy for them.”
Captain Kusal Mendis and Janith Liyanage hit a fifty for Sri Lanka. But their effort went in vain.
First ODI: In pursuit of 255, Bangladesh’s top-order crumble
Chasing a challenging total of 255 runs in the first ODI against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh lost their openers early in Chattogram on Wednesday.
Litton Das suffered a first-ball duck, and Soumya Sarkar only managed three runs. Both fell prey to Dilshan Madushanka.
It was a deceptive delivery from Madushanka, pitching it in the zone between a good length and back of a length. Litton finds himself constrained for room as he defends from within the crease. But the ball took an unexpected turn, forcing Litton to chop it onto his stumps, ending his innings abruptly.
Soumya fell to a shorter wide ball. While going for a shot to midwicket, he edged it. After Soumya, Towhid Hridoy also fell cheaply.
Earlier, Sri Lanka posted a challenging total of 255 for all wickets. Captain Kusal Mendis and Janith Liyanage scored a half-century each.
Three Bangladeshi pacers shared nine wickets among them. Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the only other bowler to take a wicket.
First ODI: Sri Lanka opt to bat first after winning the toss
Sri Lanka elected to bat first after winning the toss in the opening ODI of the three-match series against Bangladesh in Chattogram on Wednesday.
Chattogram's wickets traditionally favour batsmen, hinting at potentially high-scoring encounters in this series.
In the head-to-head statistics, Bangladesh has won just 10 out of the 54 ODIs played against Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka set for ODI showdown Wednesday
Both teams have expressed their desire to win this match and, eventually, the series. Bangladesh lag behind Sri Lanka in T20Is, but they are a strong opponent for the Lankans in ODIs.
Bangladesh XI: Litton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Tanzid Hasan
Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk and captain), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan, Dilshan Madushanka, Lahiru Kumara
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka set for ODI showdown Wednesday
After the T20I Series win for Sri Lanka, the stage for the three-match ODI is all set for Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, starting on Wednesday in Chattogram.
While Bangladesh lag behind the tourists when it comes to T20Is, but in ODIs they hold the edge. Especially their history in the last few years in ODIs tells that this series is going to be tough for Sri Lanka. Well, after the defeat in the T20I Series, the hosts will also have a challenging time in the field.
However, apart from the recent triumph against Bangladesh in T20Is, Sri Lanka can draw confidence in getting an advantage from Bangladesh’s history of the last year, where they failed to continue their ODI prowess.
However, Bangladesh Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto isn't dwelling on history. Instead, he's focused on overcoming present challenges.
“Challenge is always there,“ he told reporters ahead of the first match of the ODI Series. “There is a challenge, whatever team you face, in an international team you face. We have played great cricket from 2015 to 2022. Now, it’s okay, that a year did not go well for us. What is important now is to bounce back as a team, and we are ready for that.”
Chattogram’s wickets are traditionally more friendly to the batters. In the most recent instances, the fans saw some big-scoring matches in Chattogram during the BPL. Sri Lankan batters proved that they can score against the Bangladesh attack on the wickets of Sylhet, which are more friendly to the bowlers, as stats suggest. This means, they might be more dangerous in Chattogram.
"We have experienced some good batting scores recently,” the Sri Lankan coach Chris Silverwood said. “So, we'll keep trying to push that.”
The Bangladesh captain knows well about this challenge and he believes, if the bowlers can come up as a unit and do well, everything can be faced on the field.
“The bowlers are certainly going to face challenges,” Shanto said. “Knowing how they can adapt to the condition is important. We often say without understanding that bowlers do not bowl well. But everyone should understand the circumstances.”
Both Silverwood and Shanto hinted that they are kicking off their preparation for the next World Cup starting from this match. Bangladesh captain said that he wants the team to play as a team and be supportive of each other in the mix.
Bangladesh may shuffle their batting order, with Litton Das potentially dropping down and Soumya Sarkar gaining all-rounder duties. Tanzid Hasan Tamim might fill the opening slot.
Bangladesh has won only 10 of their 54 ODIs against Sri Lanka, most victories coming in recent years. While history paints Sri Lanka as a formidable foe, the current scenario is different. Bangladesh will be fighting to prove this.
The ODI series will be broadcast live in Bangladesh on Gtv and T-Sports. Fans worldwide can access the matches through various TV-Channels and OTT-Platforms, including the Rabbithole and T-Sports YouTube-Channels.
Towhid Hridoy fined for ICC Code of Conduct breach
Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy has been fined 15% of his match fee and received one demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the third T20I against Sri Lanka.
The incident occurred during the fourth over of Bangladesh's innings. After being dismissed, Hridoy turned and engaged in aggressive and inappropriate remonstrations with the Sri Lankan players.
This was deemed a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct, relating to displaying conduct contrary to the spirit of the game.
Thushara's devastating hattrick in decider foils Tigers' hopes of T20I series victory against Lanka
Hridoy admitted the offense and accepted the sanctions proposed by Match Referee Andy Pycroft. No formal hearing was required.
On-field umpires Sharfuddoula Saikat and Tanvir Ahmed, alongside third umpire Gazi Sohel and fourth umpire Masudur Rahman, leveled the charges.
SAFF U-16 Women's Champs: Bangladesh come from behind to beat India on penalties in final
Meanwhile, after losing the T20I series 1-2, Bangladesh are now gearing up for the ODI series starting on March 13 in Chattogram. Both teams have already arrived in Chattogram for the series.
Thushara's devastating hattrick in decider foils Tigers' hopes of T20I series victory against Lanka
Sri Lanka secured a dramatic 28-run victory over Bangladesh in the final T20I, clinching the three-match series 2-1 in Sylhet on Saturday.
Nuwan Thushara's devastating hat-trick early in Bangladesh's chase effectively derailed their hopes. He dismissed three of Bangladesh's most reliable batters within the fourth over, damaging their chances.
Rishad Hossain fought back with a well-crafted fifty (53 off 30 balls with seven sixes), and Taskin Ahmed displayed his batting prowess with a quickfire 31 (21 balls, three fours, two sixes). However, these efforts weren't enough to overcome the early setback.
Thushara claims hattrick as Bangladesh stumble in pursuit of 175
Batting first after losing the toss, Sri Lanka amassed a competitive 174 for 7. Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with a blistering 86 off 55 balls, his powerful knock studded with six sixes.
For Bangladesh, Taskin Ahmed and Rishad Ahmed took two wickets each.
Bangladesh's chase began positively with Litton Das finding the boundary early, but he fell cheaply (7 off 11 balls).
A hattrick from Nuwan Thushara in the fourth over sent shockwaves through the lineup, dismissing Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, and Mahmudullah Riyad in consecutive deliveries. Despite Mahedi Hasan's 19 and Rishad's valiant 53 off 30, Bangladesh couldn't recover.
Third T20I: Bangladesh need 175 to win series
Wanindu Hasaranga's miserly figures of 2 for 32 strangled the scoring, while Dasun Shanaka and Thushara chipped in with crucial wickets. Bangladesh's effort ultimately fell short in the final overs.
This win provides a much-needed confidence boost for Sri Lanka as they head into the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh in Chattogram.