Agency :
In a thrilling encounter, Bangladesh clinched a two-wicket victory over Sri Lanka to kick off their T20 World Cup campaign on a high note at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Saturday.
The win was particularly remarkable given Bangladesh’s lackluster performance leading up to the tournament. This marks only their second triumph over a higher-ranked team in T20 World Cup history, the first being against the West Indies in the inaugural edition in 2007.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the crucial toss and opted to bowl first.
His decision was vindicated as the bowlers restricted Sri Lanka to a modest 124-9. Bangladesh then chased down the target, scoring 125-8 in 19 overs, in a match filled with suspense and excitement.
Pacer Mustafizur Rahman was instrumental with figures of 3-17, supported by leg-spinner Rishad Hossain (3-22) and fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, who took 2-25 in his comeback game. Tanzim Hasan Sakib chipped in with 1-24.
Despite the bowlers’ efforts, it was Towhid Hridoy’s explosive 40 off 20 balls that made the critical difference in the low-scoring match. Mahmudullah Riyad later held his nerve to steer Bangladesh to victory after a flurry of quick wickets threatened to derail their chase.
Bangladesh’s innings got off to a rocky start with Soumya Sarkar departing for a second-ball duck, top-edging a delivery from Dhananjaya de Silva to Wanindu Hasaranga at mid-on. Nuwan Thushara, who claimed 4-18, then dismissed Tanzid Hasan Tamim for 3 and continued Shanto’s lean patch by sending him back for 7.
Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy then steadied the innings with a crucial 63-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Hridoy’s knock included one four and four sixes, three of which came off consecutive deliveries from Hasaranga. Hasaranga also took the wicket of Liton Das, who scored 36 off 38 balls.
Thushara struck again with two wickets in consecutive deliveries, and Matheesha Pathirana removed Shakib Al Hasan for 8, putting Bangladesh’s chase in jeopardy. With 11 runs needed from 12 balls and two wickets in hand, Mahmudullah calmed the nerves by hitting a six off Dasun Shanaka.
Mahmudullah then completed the victory in the penultimate over, showcasing his experience and composure under pressure.
This win gives Bangladesh a significant morale boost as they progress through the tournament, demonstrating their ability to prevail in tightly contested matches.
Earlier, Rishad Hossain produced a brilliant spell of leg-spin as Bangladesh fought back to restrict Sri Lanka to 124-9 in their Group D T20 World Cup match.
Sri Lanka made a fast start, rattling their way to 53-2 in six overs and they progressed to 100-3 after 14 overs with Pathum Nissanka’s 47 from 28 including eight boundaries (one six).
But then the 21-year-old Rishad struck twice in successive balls to totally change the momentum of the innings.
Charith Asalanka’s sweep shot found Shakib Al Hasan at deep backward square and he snaffled up the catch.
Then Bangladesh skipper Wanindu Hasaranga was the victim of Rishad’s spin, edging a sharply turning delivery to Soumya Sarkar at slip.
Dhananjaya de Silva who made a solid 21 off 26 balls was then beaten by Rishad’s flight and was stumped by the alert Litton Das.
Sri Lanka were just able to add 24 runs from the final six overs losing six wickets in that period.
Rishad finished with career best T20I figures of 3-22 from his four overs.
Mustafizur Rahman finished with 3-17 from four overs while Taskin Ahmed also bowled well for his 2-25.