Sri Lanka Clinches Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 Opener: Highlights of SL’s 21-Run Victory Over Bangladesh

In a thrilling Super 4 encounter of Asia Cup 2023, Sri Lanka emerged victorious with a 21-run win over Bangladesh in Colombo. Sri Lanka successfully defended their total of 257 runs as captain Dasun Shanaka, Matheesha Pathirana, and Maheesh Theekshana each claimed three crucial wickets, bundling out Bangladesh for 236 runs in 48.1 overs. While Towhid Hridoy’s brilliant 82 off 97 balls stood out for Bangladesh, he received limited support from his teammates.

Bangladesh began their chase positively, with the openers forging a 50-plus partnership. However, Dasun Shanaka’s double breakthrough triggered a middle-order collapse. Towhid Hridoy and Mushfiqur Rahim steadied the ship with a 72-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

In the first innings, Sadeera Samarawickrama played a stellar role, contributing 93 runs from 72 balls, helping Sri Lanka recover from a precarious position of 164/5. Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 257/9 in their allotted 50 overs. However, Shoriful Islam’s double strike for Bangladesh, removing Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, brought them back into the game. Nissanka was dismissed for 40 runs off 60 balls.

This marked Bangladesh’s second consecutive defeat in the Super 4 stage of the tournament, setting the stage for more exciting clashes ahead.