Chattogram, Mar 15 10.45PM – Sri Lanka clinched a thrilling victory against Bangladesh in the second Dutch-Bangla Bank One Day International match. With a remarkable partnership, Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka led their team to victory. Scoring a whopping 185 runs together, they secured a three-wicket win with 17 balls remaining. This victory leveled the series 1-1 in the three-match series held at Chattogram.
The match took a turn when Sri Lanka faced a tough situation after losing three quick wickets with only 43 runs on the board. However, Nissanka and Asalanka’s exceptional partnership not only rescued their team but also set a new record for Sri Lanka’s best fourth-wicket stand in ODIs, surpassing the previous record of 177 runs between Shehan Jayasuriya and Dasun Shanaka set in 2019 against Pakitan in Karachchi.
Opener Nissanka’s brilliant innings concluded in the 37th over, bowled by Mehedi Hasan, when Sri Lanka’s score was 228-4, ending the impressive partnership at 185 runs. Asalanka, nearing his century, fell to Taskin Ahmed, who claimed his 100th ODI wicket. Initially, the on-field umpire didn’t rule him out, but upon review, Asalanka was dismissed at 92 runs.
With Sri Lanka reduced to 235-5, Janith Liyanage and Dunith Wellalage took charge but faced a challenging situation, needing 51 runs from 70 deliveries. Although Sri Lanka lost more wickets quickly, Wellalage and Wanindu Hasaranga steered the innings. Hasaranga’s aggressive hitting turned the game around as Sri Lanka chased down the target.
When Sri Lanka required 23 runs from 29 balls, Hasaranga’s six off a paceman provided momentum. His continued assault, including a six and a four off Taijul Islam, brought Sri Lanka closer to victory. Hasaranga’s departure for 25 off 16 balls left Sri Lanka needing only two runs from 19 balls. Wellalage sealed the victory with a boundary through covers, reaching the target with 17 balls to spare, ending at 287-7 in 47.1 overs.
Chief scores:
Bangladesh 286/7 in 50 overs (Towhid Hridoy 96 n.o, Soumya Sarkar 68, Najmul Shanto 40, Wanindu Hasaranga 4-45, Dilshan Madushanka 2-30, Pramod Madushan 1-72).
Sri Lanka 287-7 in 47.1 overs (Pathum Nissanka 114, Charith Asalanka 91, Wanindu Hasaranga 25, Shoriful Islam 2-49, Taskin Ahmed 2-49, Taijul Islam 1-43).
