After a string of six consecutive defeats in the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023, Bangladesh finally secured a much-needed win over Sri Lanka, catapulting them above on net run rate. Bangladesh successfully chased down a target set by Sri Lanka by 3 wickets, thanks to contributions from skipper Shakib Al Hasan and Najmul Shanto. This win also intensifies the competition between Bangladesh, the Netherlands, Sri Lanka, and England for the remaining two spots at the next year’s 2025 Champions Trophy, even though both teams are virtually out of this world cup.
The match’s focal point was the dismissal of Angelo Mathews, as he became the first batter in international cricket to be timed out. This incident left a sour taste in Lion’s mouth, leading to frustration both on and off the field and ultimately the defeat of the tiny island nation. Shakib Al Hasan’s decision to not withdraw the time out ate at the Lions throughout the rest of the game, whereas Shakib Al Hasan and the Bangladeshi’s stood their ground and calmly brushed off any verbal abuse or unnecessary signs of aggression and ultimately won the game by 3 wickets.
Mathews created history by being the first batter in the history of international cricket to be ‘Timed Out’
On a batting-friendly pitch, Bangladesh chose to field first and managed to restrict Sri Lanka to a subpar total of 279. Young paceman Tanzim Hasan, despite conceding 80 runs in his ten overs, made crucial breakthroughs, including the dismissals of Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka, who scored a valiant 108 from 105 balls.
Facing a target of 280, Bangladesh accomplished a remarkable comeback after losing two early wickets to tournament’s leading wicket taker Dilshan Madushanka. A third-wicket partnership between Shakib Al Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto, helped Bangladesh pull themselves out of the rumble and this eventually led Bangladesh to a fairly comfortable victory over Sri Lanka, even though losing some late wickets towards the end.
Their partnership of 169 runs exposed Sri Lanka’s vulnerability to the evening dew and it was not hard to notice the Sri Lankan bowlers struggling with control. Despite the partnership being broken, Bangladesh needed just 70 runs, but Sri Lanka kept fighting, making it a nail-biting finish.
Bangladesh after being comfortably placed at 210 for 2, soon found themselves placed at a nervy 269 for 7. However, the solid foundation laid by Shanto’s 90 and Shakib’s 82 proved pivotal in securing the win.
The victory not only marked Bangladesh’s first win against Sri Lanka in World Cups, but also stands as their highest successful chase against Sri Lanka in ODIs.
Bangladesh’s triumph over Sri Lanka not only ends Sri Lanka’s campaign in this World Cup, but also keeps Bangladesh in contention for a spot in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Bangladesh catapulted themselves to the 7th position on the points table, giving them an edge in the race for the last two spots in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Chief Scores:
Sri Lanka: 279 (Charith Asalanka 108, Pathum Nissanka 41, Sadeera Samarawickrama 41, Tanzim Hasan Sakib 3 for 80, Shoriful Islam 2 for 51, Shakib Al Hasan 2 for 57)
