COLOMBO: A splendid half-century by Kusal Mendis and a superb knock of 93 by Sadeera Samarawickrama took Sri Lanka to a decent total of 257 for 8 in the second match of the Super Four in the Asia Cup against Bangladesh here in Columbo on Saturday.
The batter number four took his side to the end of the first innings when he was caught on the mid-wicket boundary facing the last ball of the innings, and scored 93 crucial runs while facing 73 deliveries.
After winning the toss, Bangladesh decided to bowl first. Sri Lankan Openers Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne took a steady start while maintaining about 6 to 7 runs per over average in the first 6 overs. Bangladesh bowlers managed to grab the first wicket to get rid of the opening stand with the dismissal of Dimuth Karunaratne, who scored 18 runs while facing 17 balls. Nisanka was joined by Kusal Mendis, where both the batters took the side to 108 in 22 overs. In the 23rd over, pacer Shoriful Islam managed to get out Nisanka on 40. Kusal was joined by number four Sadeera Samarawickrama, where both the batters managed to dominate the bowling side. Kusal completed his half-century and got out. Other batters also managed to add some score to the total.
However, on the other hand, both the players, Sadeera Samarawickrama, dominated the bowling side till the last bowl of the innings. He played a superb innings of 93 runs while facing just 73 balls.
From Bangladesh Taskin Ahmad and Hasan Mehmud got 3 wickets each, while Shoriful Islam grabbed two wickets.
Bangladesh Team
Mohammad Naim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shamim Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud and Nasum Ahmed
Sri Lankan Team
Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha and Matheesha Pathirana.
