ISLAMABAD: Fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana delivered an exceptional performance, securing impressive figures of 4-32. This instrumental contribution propelled Sri Lanka to a convincing five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the Asia Cup match held on Thursday.
Spinner Maheesh Theekshana made an early impact, followed by Matheesha Pathirana joining forces, resulting in Bangladesh being dismissed for 164 in the opening match of the Sri Lanka leg of the 50-over tournament. This serves as a precursor to October’s ODI World Cup in India.
Guiding the chase, Sadeera Samarawickrama, who scored 54, and Charith Asalanka, who remained unbeaten on 62, formed a crucial partnership of 78. This came after Sri Lanka faced an early setback, losing their openers and falling to 43-3.
Sadeera Samarawickrama achieved his fourth ODI half-century, eliciting enthusiasm from the sparse crowd at the picturesque venue. However, spinner Mahedi Hasan eventually stumped him.
Shortly after, Shakib Al Hasan dismissed Dhananjaya de Silva. Nevertheless, left-handed Asalanka secured victory for the team with a winning boundary in the 39th over.
Charith Asalanka displayed patience on a pitch that didn’t favor easy run-scoring, reaching his 50 in 85 balls. Skipper Dasun Shanaka remained unbeaten at 14.
The bowlers set the stage for triumph, particularly Matheesha Pathirana, who drew comparisons to Lasith Malinga due to his yorkers.
Pathirana took key wickets, including skipper Shakib Al Hasan and wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim.
Bangladesh’s innings saw top-order batsman Najmul Hossain Shanto making 89, standing as a lone contributor. Despite partnerships, including a 59-run fourth-wicket stand with Towhid Hridoy (20), the rest of the batting lineup faltered.
Pathirana dismissed skipper Shakib Al Hasan for five, while Kusal Mendis, the wicketkeeper, took a diving catch to his left.
Sri Lanka, winners of the T20 edition last year in Dubai, are co-hosting the tournament with Pakistan. Their next match is against Afghanistan in Lahore.
Pakistan, victors in the tournament opener against Nepal, are set to face arch-rivals India in Pallekele on Saturday.
