Right then! 172 runs needed for Sri Lanka to chase it down. The batters of Bangladesh have done their job and now it is time for their bowlers to step up. Will they be able to do it? We will find out soon as the second essay is coming up.Â
Mushfiqur Rahim is up for a quick chat, he says that it was a good wicket to bat on. Mentions that they have to bowl and field really well now to restrict them. Adds that Sri Lanka have a young side and they thought that if they can put runs on the board, they can put pressure on Sri Lanka. Tells that Mohammad Naim batted brilliantly. Ends by saying that they can defend this total.
Sri Lanka will be slightly disappointed with the way things have gone. After a bright start from their bowlers, things were right in control but they failed to break the big partnership and that saw the game slipping away. The middle phase was totally dominated by the opposition as Sri Lanka were not able to chip in wickets. Binura though came into the attack in the fag end and took a wicket but the damage was already done. Sri Lanka clearly missed their magician Maheesh Theekshana today. Â
Bangladesh were off to a sensible start as both the openers were careful with their shots. A bit of high temperament from Liton Das cost him his wicket. Hopes were high from the Bangladesh dugout on Shakib Al Hasan to deliver but he failed to do so. In the end, a partnership was needed for the Tigers and Mohammad Naim and Mushfiqur Rahim showed great grit and determination. The veteran, Rahim and the youngster, Naim, combined to stitch a 73-run partnership. Naim departed after bringing up his
It is not an easy job to bat on this Sharjah pitch but Bangladesh have done an incredible job to post a total above 170. A very commanding performance from them and they will be very happy going into the break.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! What a way to end the innings! Mushfiqur Rahim has taken his team past 170! Full ball, around off. Rahim moves across and scoops it over short fine leg to finish with a boundary. Bangladesh end with 171/4.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mahmudullah, Short ball, on off. Mahmudullah miscues his pull towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mahmudullah, ! Good wrist work from Mahmudullah! Overpitched ball, outside off. Mahmudullah leans and opens the face of the bat to hit this one past the cover-point fielder.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, Another full ball, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim stays back and squeezes it past point for a single.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, Full ball, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim chips it over covers and takes a couple of runs.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, Swing and a miss! Slower ball, shorter in length, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim looks to cut hard but does not get any bat on it.
Lahiru Kumara to Mahmudullah, ! Nicely done! A low full toss, around off. Mahmudullah hits it straight back past the bowler for a boundary.
Lahiru Kumara to Mahmudullah, TWO LEG BYES! Yorker-length ball, down leg. Mahmudullah misses his flick and gets hit low on his pad. The ball rolls away to the leg side and they take a couple of leg byes!
Lahiru Kumara to Mushfiqur Rahim, NO BALL AND A BYE! Oh, dear! That could have been nasty! Kumara loses the grip of the ball and he hurls a beamer, around middle. Mushfiqur Rahim ducks underneath. The keeper fumbles and they sneak in a bye. Free Hit to follow.
Mahmudullah walks out to bat.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mahmudullah, Full ball, outside off. Mahmudullah looks to heave it away but he gets an inside edge onto his pads. The batters cross for one.
A run out appeal has been sent upstairs. Replay shows that Afif Hossain was well short of his crease and has to depart. The third umpire confirms the same by signalling on the big screen.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Afif Hossain, ! RUN OUT! Bangladesh lose their fourth wicket now! Fuller in length, on leg. Afif Hossain looks to whip it away but misses. He gets rapped on the pads. The ball rolls back to the bowler and Afif Hossain takes off to take a single but has no idea where the ball went. Lahiru Kumara picks up the ball quickly and scores a direct hit at the striker's end. The umpire refers it upstairs and the replay shows that Afif Hossain didn't make it back to the creas
Lahiru Kumara to Afif Hossain, Full ball, around leg. Afif Hossain backs away to slog it but he misses it completely.
Lahiru Kumara to bowl the penultimate over.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mushfiqur Rahim, Full ball, around middle. Mushfiqur Rahim stays back and flicks it to wide of long on to collect a run. He gets to his 6th T20I fifty and what a crucial innings this has been for Bangladesh!
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, Full ball, way outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim gets low and drives it to sweeper cover and takes a single.
Dushmantha Chameera to Afif Hossain, Excellent delivery! A yorker, around off. Afif Hossain digs it out onto the deck and the batters scamper through for a run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, Leg bye! Full ball, just outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim shuffles across and tries to scoop it over the keeper but he misses and gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls away to the off side and the batters sneak in a leg bye.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! Easy pickings! Short ball, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim hangs back and just slices it over backward point. The ball races away to the fence.
Dushmantha Chameera to Afif Hossain, Full ball, outside off. Afif Hossain carves it through covers for a single.
Dushmantha Chameera (2-0-21-0) comes back into the attack.Â
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, Back of a length, way outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim cuts it to deep point and collects a run.
Binura Fernando to Afif Hossain, ! Nicely done! Slower ball, on a length, darted on the pads. Afif Hossain stays back and whips it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, Full ball, on middle. Mushfiqur Rahim goes deep in his crease and heaves it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! Width on offer, outside off and Mushfiqur Rahim pounces on it! Cuts it past point and collects a boundary.
Binura Fernando to Afif Hossain, Good-length ball, around leg. Afif Hossain tickles it to short fine leg and takes a single to get off the mark.
Afif Hossain is the new batsman in.
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, Short of a length, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim cuts it towards deep cover and takes a run.
Binura Fernando (2-0-16-0) comes back on.Â
Binura Fernando to Mohammad Naim, ! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Finally, Sri Lanka get the much-needed breakthrough and it is Binura Fernando who comes to their rescue! Fernando serves a slower ball, shorter in length, around off. Mohammad Naim looks to heave it away but only manages a top edge and the ball lobs up in the air to the left of the bowler. Binura Fernando runs there and takes a simple catch.
Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Naim, Very full, on middle. Naim drills it down to long on for a single.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, Excellent yorker, on off. Rahim advances down the track and squirts it down to long on for one.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, WIDE! Short ball, down the leg side. Wided.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, Short ball, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim shimmies down the track and slaps it to deep extra cover. The fielder there does well to flick the ball inside the boundary. Keeps it down to a couple of runs.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Naim, Pitched up, on off. Naim drives it to long off for a single.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Naim, ! Streaky! Slower delivery, outside off. Mohammad Naim hangs back and looks to cut. The ball goes off the outside edge and beats the fielder at short third man for a boundary.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, Lenght ball, down the leg side. Mushfiqur Rahim looks to heave it away but misses and the ball goes off his pads to the keeper. The batters to take a bye.Â
Dasun Shanaka (1-0-4-0) is back into the attack.
Wanindu Hasaranga (2-0-18-0) comes back into the attack.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, Another googly on off, Naim rocks back and cuts it straight to point. 11 runs from the over.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, A googly on off, Rahim reads it well and punches it through covers off the back foot for a run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, On middle, Naim clips it to mid-wicket for a single.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, Touch shorter, outside off. Rahim punches it through covers for one.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! Make that two in a row! Short and on leg, Mushfiqur Rahim shuffles across the off stump and smacks it towards deep backward square leg for another boundary.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! This is top-class batting! On middle, Mushfiqur Rahim sweeps this one powerfully towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, ! Whoa! Lahiru Kumara bangs this one short, on middle. Mohammad Naim pulls it with disdain towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary. That came right from the meat of the bat.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Back of a length, on middle. Naim taps it to the point fielder.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, ! That is beautifully played! Fuller in length, on middle. Mohammad Naim clears his front leg and smashes the ball towards long on. The fielder runs to his right to catch the ball and dives but it falls short of him. One bounce and into the fence. He also gets to his fifty. Has been a fantastic knock from him. 100 up for Bangladesh as well!Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mushfiqur Rahim, Again! A yorker, on middle. Mushfiqur Rahim jams it out to long on for a single.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Right into the blockhole, on off. Mohammad Naim squeezes it out to third man for one.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mushfiqur Rahim, A run out chance missed! On a length, on off. Mushfiqur Rahim dabs it to backward point. Mohammad Naim takes off for a single but is sent back by Mushfiqur Rahim. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses and the batters take a run eventually.Â
Lahiru Kumara (2-0-11-1) comes back to bowl.
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, A full toss, outside off, Rahim steers it to deep point. A single is taken.Â
Binura Fernando to Mohammad Naim, Short of a length, on middle. Mohammad Naim pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single this time.Â
Binura Fernando to Mohammad Naim, Binura Fernando hits the deck hard this time, outside off. Mohammad Naim hops and looks to carve it over point but fails to connect.Â
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, Short of a length, on middle. Mushfiqur Rahim stays deep in his crease and dabs it down to third man for a single.Â
Binura Fernando (1-0-7-0) is back on.
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, Good-length ball, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim looks to cut it away but misses.Â
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! BANG! That is a mighty blow! Slower ball, on off. Mushfiqur Rahim gets low, picks it up nicely and slog-sweeps it over deep square leg for a maximum.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Naim, A length ball, on off, driven to covers.
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, A friendly full toss, on middle. Rahim whips it to deep square leg for a single.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Naim, Back of a length, on off, drilled down to long off for a single.
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, A length ball, on middle. Rahim backs away and guides it to third man for a single.
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, Another length ball, on off. Rahim taps it to covers.
Dasun Shanaka comes into the attack.
Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Naim, On a length, on middle, tucked to mid-wicket for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, Hesitation in the middle. A full ball, on middle. Naim tucks it with soft hands to deep mid-wicket and takes a single. He wanted another single but was sent back and sigh of relief for him as the fielder misses his shy.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, Gives some flight to it now and serves it on middle. Rahim paddles it to deep square leg for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! He connected this one so well! A full ball, around off. Mushfiqur Rahim gets on his knee and slogs it over mid-wicket for a biggie.Â
DRINKS! Bangladesh have started well, courtesy of Mohammad Naim who has batted sensibly so far. The Bangla Tigers would be hoping that Naim along with the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim bat deep and take them to a good total.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, On middle. Naim leans and drills it down to wide long on for one more.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, Flighted ball, around off. Rahim heaves it to deep mid-wicket for another single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, Full on off, swept to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mushfiqur Rahim, A length ball, outside off. Rahim tries to cut it late but fails to get any bat on it. At the halfway mark, Bangladesh are 72/2.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, OVERTHROWS! On middle. Naim hits it straight back to the bowler. Chamika Karunaratne picks it up and scores a direct hit at the keeper's end. The ball ricochets to short fine leg where the fielder makes a great stop. A single.Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Mushfiqur Rahim, Full ball, on off. Rahim hits it to mid off for a quick single.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, On the pads, this is flicked to mid-wicket for a single.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, On a length, on off, Naim pushes it aerially and towards wide long off for a brace.Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, EDGY RUNS! This was on a length and around middle. Naim looks to play across the line but gets a top edge and the ball skies up over short backward point. Two runs taken.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, A loopy ball, on off, pushed down to long off for a single. 7 coming of the over then.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, Slightly shorter and on off. Mushfiqur Rahim cuts it through point for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, On middle, Mohammad Naim works it on the leg side for one more.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, This one stays low and was around off. Naim hits it to deep mid-wicket and takes a couple of runs. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but his throw was a bit wayward.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, Flatter now, outside off. Rahim gets low and cuts it to deep point for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to roll his arm now.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, Starts with a short ball, on off. Naim nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, Full ball, darted on the pads. Mohammad Naim tucks it to the leg side and collects a run. Just 3 runs and a wicket from the over!
Chamika Karunaratne to Mushfiqur Rahim, Short of a length, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim reaches out and looks to cut but it goes off the toe end towards third man. Rahim is off the mark with this single.
Chamika Karunaratne to Shakib Al Hasan, ! BOWLED! Huge wicket for Sri Lanka as Chamika Karunaratne gets the big fish! Back of a length, around leg. Shakib Al Hasan backs away and looks to heave it to the leg side but he misses and the ball crashes onto his leg stump. Karunaratne is ecstatic!
Mushfiqur Rahim is the new man in.
Chamika Karunaratne to Shakib Al Hasan, Back of a length, around off. Shakib Al Hasan stands tall and dabs it towards backward point.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, Short of a length, outside off. Mohammad Naim punches it to deep cover and takes a single.
Chamika Karunaratne is back into the attack. Gave away just 2 runs in his first over.Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, Length ball, around off. Mohammad Naim taps it towards backward point.
Charith Asalanka to Shakib Al Hasan, ! Asalanka errs in his length yet again and serves it short, outside off. Shakib Al Hasan rocks back and cuts it past point. Dushmantha Chameera at deep cover runs to his right and puts in a dive but the ball wins the race.Â
Charith Asalanka to Shakib Al Hasan, Flatter ball, on middle. Shakib Al Hasan hits it straight back to the bowler.
Charith Asalanka to Mohammad Naim, Fuller in length, outside off. Mohammad Naim skips down and eases it to long off for a run.
Charith Asalanka to Mohammad Naim, ! Punished by Mohammad Naim! Just a tad short, around off. Naim stays back and cuts it past point for another boundary.
Charith Asalanka to Shakib Al Hasan, Flatter ball, on off. Shakib Al Hasan miscues his cut shot and it takes the inner half of the bat. The ball goes to mid-wicket and the batters cross ends.
Charith Asalanka to Shakib Al Hasan, ! What a shot! Tossed up, around off. Shakib Al Hasan lofts it over covers and collects a boundary.
Time for some spin as Charith Asalanka is brought on.
Lahiru Kumara to Shakib Al Hasan, A low full toss, on leg. Shakib Al Hasan tucks it to the leg side to get off the mark with one. At the end of the Powerplay, Bangladesh are 41/1.
Shakib Al Hasan walks out at number 3.
Lahiru Kumara to Liton Das, ! CAUGHT! Lahiru Kumara strikes and Bangladesh lose their first wicket! Length ball, around off. Liton Das skips down and looks to go over mid off but it goes off the toe end which does not give him the desired elevation.The ball goes straight to Dasun Shanaka at mid off who takes a simple catch. Oh dear! Some words exchanged between Liton Das and Lahiru Kumara here! Sri Lankan players come in along with the umpire to seperate the two.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Full ball, outside off. Mohammad Naim reaches out and gets the toe end of the bat. The ball goes behind the sticks and the batters take a run.
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Well bowled! Kumara hurls a yorker, outside off. Mohammad Naim fails to dig it out!
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Length ball, on off. Mohammad Naim drives but finds the cover fielder.
Lahiru Kumara to Liton Das, Top effort from Dasun Shanaka at mid off! Length ball, outside off. Liton Das drives but Shanaka moves across to his left and puts in a dive to stop the ball. The batters cross for one.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, A good bumper to end the over! Chameera bangs it into the deck, around middle. Mohammad Naim lets it through to the keeper.
Dushmantha Chameera to Liton Das, Good-length ball, outside off. Liton Das cuts hard but finds the backward point fielder who dives to stop the ball. A single taken.
Dushmantha Chameera to Liton Das, ! Top shot! Short of a length, outside off. Liton Das moves across in his crease and pierces it through the cover-point region to collect a boundary.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, Slower ball, shorter in length, around off. Mohammad Naim pushes it to cover and takes a quick run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, Back of a length, around leg. Mohammad Naim stays back and pulls it to the right of the deep mid-wicket fielder. The batters take two.
Dushmantha Chameera to Liton Das, Full ball, outside off. Liton Das pushes it to mid off and scampers through for a single. The fielder at mid off has a shy at the striker's end but Das was well inside the crease.
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Well bowled! Kumara bowls a yorker now, on middle. Mohammad Naim does well to jam it out back to the bowler. Lahiru Kumara collects the ball and has a wild throw at the striker's end as Mohammad Naim was out of his crease. A stare from Lahiru Kumara and Mohammad Naim follows!Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, ! Powerful shot! Lahiru Kumara shortens his length, on middle. Mohammad Naim clears his front leg and smacks it towards long on. Couple of bounces and into the fence.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, A low full toss, on middle. Naim toe-ends it to mid on.
Lahiru Kumara to Liton Das, Pitched up, on off. Liton Das drives towards extra cover. The fielder dives to his right to stop the ball. The batters take a single.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Liton Das, Good-length ball, on off. Liton Das leans onto it and drives but the cover fielder makes a good stop diving to his left.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Full and wide, outside off. Mohammad Naim reaches out and slices it uppishly over cover-point. He collects three runs.Â
Lahiru Kumara is into the attack now.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, Chameera take the pace off and bowls it on middle, Mohammad Naim pushes it to mid on for a single. A good over for Bangladesh. 12 runs coming from it.Â
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, ! Makes full use of the free hit this time! Fuller in length, on off, at 150 kph. Mohammad Naim clears his front leg and whips it through mid-wicket for a boundary.Â
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, NO BALL! A full toss, on leg. Mohammad Naim plays it uppishly over mid-wicket. He gets a couple of runs. Chameera has overstepped again and another Free Hit to Mohammad Naim.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, NO BALL! Dushmantha Chameera comes 'round the wicket now, bowls it short, on middle. Mohammad Naim tucks it on the leg side. Dushmantha Chameera will have to reload again as he has overstepped. Free Hit to follow...
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, A well-directed bouncer, on leg. Mohammad Naim ducks underneath.Â
Dushmantha Chameera to Liton Das, Length ball, outside off. Liton Das guides it to third man. He rotates the strike by picking up a single.Â
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, Short of a length, on middle. Mohammad Naim tucks it to square leg for a run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Liton Das, Good-length ball, on middle at 146 kph. Liton Das works it to mid-wicket for a single.Â
Dushmantha Chameera is into the attack. Â
Binura Fernando to Mohammad Naim, Full and outside off, Mohammad Naim drives it through covers for a couple of runs. 7 runs from the over.Â
Binura Fernando to Liton Das, Full again, on middle and leg. Liton Das flicks it to deep mid-wicket. He crosses ends.Â
Binura Fernando to Liton Das, ! Nicely done! Fuller in length, down the leg side. Liton Das tickles it fine past the keeper to fine leg for a boundary.Â
Binura Fernando to Liton Das, Short of a length, on off. Liton Das dabs it towards backward point with soft hands. No run taken.Â
Binura Fernando to Liton Das, Well bowled! Fuller length, on off, at 127 kph. Liton Das defends it back to the bowler.Â
Who will bowl from the other end? It is Binura Fernando.
Binura Fernando to Liton Das, Length ball, nipping back in, on leg. Liton Das tucks it on the leg side.Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, Back of a length, on leg. Mohammad Naim looks to work it on the leg side but gets a leading edge back onto the deck. A good start from Chamika Karunaratne. Only 2 runs from the over.Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Liton Das, Short of a length, on middle, at 140 kph. Liton Das knocks it in front of mid on for a run.
Chamika Karunaratne to Liton Das, Lenght ball, outside off, at 139 kph. Liton Das puts a stride forward and works it to backward point. Mohammad Naim looks for a single but is sent back. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, Good-length ball, on leg. Mohammad Naim tucks it to deep square leg for a single. Bangladesh and Mohammad Naim are underway!Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, On a good length, on off. Mohammad Naim hops and taps it towards point.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, Chamika Karunaratne starts with a full-length ball, outside off. Mohammad Naim leans onto it and drives but finds the cover fielder.Â
The players are out on the field and have lined up for their respective national anthems. It is Bangladesh's first followed by Sri Lanka's. Done with all the pre-match formalities. We are all set for the action. The players of Sri Lanka are out to the middle and Mohammad Naim and Liton Das are the openers for Bangladesh. Chamika Karunaratne to start with the ball. Here we go...
Pitch Report -Â Danny Morrison and Murali Kartik are inspecting the deck. Morrison says that the pitch is brown and will stay slow and low. Kartik says that it is well rolled down and the bowlers may want to bowl wicket-to-wicket.
Mahmudullah, the skipper of Bangladesh, says that they would have batted first anyway. Says that they need to play with the conditions and it looks good to bat on. Adds that after losing the first match in the qualifiers, the boys are pretty relaxed and are looking forward to this game. Informs that Taskin Ahmed is out and Nasum Ahmed comes in.
Dasun Shanaka, the skipper of Sri Lanka, says they will bowl first as their bowlers have been doing good job so far. Adds that they don't know exactly how the pitch will behave so they would like to chase. Tells that they are confident going into this game as they have played really well in last couple of games. Ends by by saying that they have a slight injury concern so Maheesh Theekshana misses out and in comes Binura Fernando.
Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Mohammad Naim, Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah (C), Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan (WK), Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Nasum Ahmed (In for Taskin Ahmed), Mustafizur Rahman.
TOSS - Dasun Shanaka and Mahmudullah are out in the middle for all-important coin toss. Dasun Shanaka gives it a flip. Mahmudullah calls it 'Tails' but 'Heads' it falls. Sri Lanka have won the toss and have elected to BOWL first.Â
... MATCH DAY ...
Bangladesh went down against Scotland in their first game of the qualifiers but then bounced back and closed the qualifiers with 2 wins. They have exuded great character to seal a spot in the Super 12. Shakib Al Hasan has been at the forefront for them. He has scored 108 runs and have picked up 9 wickets in 3 matches. Mahmudullah and Mohammad Naim also came with telling contributions in the qualifiers and the Tigers would want to start their Super 12 campaign on a winning note.
The Islanders didn't put a foot wrong in the preliminary stage as they won all their three games comprehensively. Their bowlers have been exceptional and the highest score they have conceded so far is 101. The side have already been two-time runner's up, have reached one semifinal and also have a trophy in their cabinet and with such performances in the qualifiers, they cannot be ruled out yet. Sri Lanka have met Bangladesh once in T20 World Cup where the Lankans emerged victorious. They have a
A warm welcome to everyone for the coverage of the T20 World Cup where Sri Lanka will cross swords with Bangladesh. Both the Asian sides had to earn their spot to be in the Super 12. A good start in a rather challenging group is imperative and heading into this clash, both the teams will be keen on making an impact straight away. So who are you backing?
Right then! 172 runs needed for Sri Lanka to chase it down. The batters of Bangladesh have done their job and now it is time for their bowlers to step up. Will they be able to do it? We will find out soon as the second essay is coming up.Â
Mushfiqur Rahim is up for a quick chat, he says that it was a good wicket to bat on. Mentions that they have to bowl and field really well now to restrict them. Adds that Sri Lanka have a young side and they thought that if they can put runs on the board, they can put pressure on Sri Lanka. Tells that Mohammad Naim batted brilliantly. Ends by saying that they can defend this total.
Sri Lanka will be slightly disappointed with the way things have gone. After a bright start from their bowlers, things were right in control but they failed to break the big partnership and that saw the game slipping away. The middle phase was totally dominated by the opposition as Sri Lanka were not able to chip in wickets. Binura though came into the attack in the fag end and took a wicket but the damage was already done. Sri Lanka clearly missed their magician Maheesh Theekshana today. Â
Bangladesh were off to a sensible start as both the openers were careful with their shots. A bit of high temperament from Liton Das cost him his wicket. Hopes were high from the Bangladesh dugout on Shakib Al Hasan to deliver but he failed to do so. In the end, a partnership was needed for the Tigers and Mohammad Naim and Mushfiqur Rahim showed great grit and determination. The veteran, Rahim and the youngster, Naim, combined to stitch a 73-run partnership. Naim departed after bringing up his
It is not an easy job to bat on this Sharjah pitch but Bangladesh have done an incredible job to post a total above 170. A very commanding performance from them and they will be very happy going into the break.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! What a way to end the innings! Mushfiqur Rahim has taken his team past 170! Full ball, around off. Rahim moves across and scoops it over short fine leg to finish with a boundary. Bangladesh end with 171/4.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mahmudullah, Short ball, on off. Mahmudullah miscues his pull towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mahmudullah, ! Good wrist work from Mahmudullah! Overpitched ball, outside off. Mahmudullah leans and opens the face of the bat to hit this one past the cover-point fielder.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, Another full ball, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim stays back and squeezes it past point for a single.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, Full ball, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim chips it over covers and takes a couple of runs.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, Swing and a miss! Slower ball, shorter in length, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim looks to cut hard but does not get any bat on it.
Lahiru Kumara to Mahmudullah, ! Nicely done! A low full toss, around off. Mahmudullah hits it straight back past the bowler for a boundary.
Lahiru Kumara to Mahmudullah, TWO LEG BYES! Yorker-length ball, down leg. Mahmudullah misses his flick and gets hit low on his pad. The ball rolls away to the leg side and they take a couple of leg byes!
Lahiru Kumara to Mushfiqur Rahim, NO BALL AND A BYE! Oh, dear! That could have been nasty! Kumara loses the grip of the ball and he hurls a beamer, around middle. Mushfiqur Rahim ducks underneath. The keeper fumbles and they sneak in a bye. Free Hit to follow.
Mahmudullah walks out to bat.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mahmudullah, Full ball, outside off. Mahmudullah looks to heave it away but he gets an inside edge onto his pads. The batters cross for one.
A run out appeal has been sent upstairs. Replay shows that Afif Hossain was well short of his crease and has to depart. The third umpire confirms the same by signalling on the big screen.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Afif Hossain, ! RUN OUT! Bangladesh lose their fourth wicket now! Fuller in length, on leg. Afif Hossain looks to whip it away but misses. He gets rapped on the pads. The ball rolls back to the bowler and Afif Hossain takes off to take a single but has no idea where the ball went. Lahiru Kumara picks up the ball quickly and scores a direct hit at the striker's end. The umpire refers it upstairs and the replay shows that Afif Hossain didn't make it back to the creas
Lahiru Kumara to Afif Hossain, Full ball, around leg. Afif Hossain backs away to slog it but he misses it completely.
Lahiru Kumara to bowl the penultimate over.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mushfiqur Rahim, Full ball, around middle. Mushfiqur Rahim stays back and flicks it to wide of long on to collect a run. He gets to his 6th T20I fifty and what a crucial innings this has been for Bangladesh!
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, Full ball, way outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim gets low and drives it to sweeper cover and takes a single.
Dushmantha Chameera to Afif Hossain, Excellent delivery! A yorker, around off. Afif Hossain digs it out onto the deck and the batters scamper through for a run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, Leg bye! Full ball, just outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim shuffles across and tries to scoop it over the keeper but he misses and gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls away to the off side and the batters sneak in a leg bye.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! Easy pickings! Short ball, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim hangs back and just slices it over backward point. The ball races away to the fence.
Dushmantha Chameera to Afif Hossain, Full ball, outside off. Afif Hossain carves it through covers for a single.
Dushmantha Chameera (2-0-21-0) comes back into the attack.Â
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, Back of a length, way outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim cuts it to deep point and collects a run.
Binura Fernando to Afif Hossain, ! Nicely done! Slower ball, on a length, darted on the pads. Afif Hossain stays back and whips it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, Full ball, on middle. Mushfiqur Rahim goes deep in his crease and heaves it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! Width on offer, outside off and Mushfiqur Rahim pounces on it! Cuts it past point and collects a boundary.
Binura Fernando to Afif Hossain, Good-length ball, around leg. Afif Hossain tickles it to short fine leg and takes a single to get off the mark.
Afif Hossain is the new batsman in.
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, Short of a length, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim cuts it towards deep cover and takes a run.
Binura Fernando (2-0-16-0) comes back on.Â
Binura Fernando to Mohammad Naim, ! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Finally, Sri Lanka get the much-needed breakthrough and it is Binura Fernando who comes to their rescue! Fernando serves a slower ball, shorter in length, around off. Mohammad Naim looks to heave it away but only manages a top edge and the ball lobs up in the air to the left of the bowler. Binura Fernando runs there and takes a simple catch.
Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Naim, Very full, on middle. Naim drills it down to long on for a single.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, Excellent yorker, on off. Rahim advances down the track and squirts it down to long on for one.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, WIDE! Short ball, down the leg side. Wided.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, Short ball, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim shimmies down the track and slaps it to deep extra cover. The fielder there does well to flick the ball inside the boundary. Keeps it down to a couple of runs.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Naim, Pitched up, on off. Naim drives it to long off for a single.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Naim, ! Streaky! Slower delivery, outside off. Mohammad Naim hangs back and looks to cut. The ball goes off the outside edge and beats the fielder at short third man for a boundary.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, Lenght ball, down the leg side. Mushfiqur Rahim looks to heave it away but misses and the ball goes off his pads to the keeper. The batters to take a bye.Â
Dasun Shanaka (1-0-4-0) is back into the attack.
Wanindu Hasaranga (2-0-18-0) comes back into the attack.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, Another googly on off, Naim rocks back and cuts it straight to point. 11 runs from the over.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, A googly on off, Rahim reads it well and punches it through covers off the back foot for a run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, On middle, Naim clips it to mid-wicket for a single.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, Touch shorter, outside off. Rahim punches it through covers for one.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! Make that two in a row! Short and on leg, Mushfiqur Rahim shuffles across the off stump and smacks it towards deep backward square leg for another boundary.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! This is top-class batting! On middle, Mushfiqur Rahim sweeps this one powerfully towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, ! Whoa! Lahiru Kumara bangs this one short, on middle. Mohammad Naim pulls it with disdain towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary. That came right from the meat of the bat.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Back of a length, on middle. Naim taps it to the point fielder.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, ! That is beautifully played! Fuller in length, on middle. Mohammad Naim clears his front leg and smashes the ball towards long on. The fielder runs to his right to catch the ball and dives but it falls short of him. One bounce and into the fence. He also gets to his fifty. Has been a fantastic knock from him. 100 up for Bangladesh as well!Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mushfiqur Rahim, Again! A yorker, on middle. Mushfiqur Rahim jams it out to long on for a single.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Right into the blockhole, on off. Mohammad Naim squeezes it out to third man for one.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mushfiqur Rahim, A run out chance missed! On a length, on off. Mushfiqur Rahim dabs it to backward point. Mohammad Naim takes off for a single but is sent back by Mushfiqur Rahim. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses and the batters take a run eventually.Â
Lahiru Kumara (2-0-11-1) comes back to bowl.
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, A full toss, outside off, Rahim steers it to deep point. A single is taken.Â
Binura Fernando to Mohammad Naim, Short of a length, on middle. Mohammad Naim pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single this time.Â
Binura Fernando to Mohammad Naim, Binura Fernando hits the deck hard this time, outside off. Mohammad Naim hops and looks to carve it over point but fails to connect.Â
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, Short of a length, on middle. Mushfiqur Rahim stays deep in his crease and dabs it down to third man for a single.Â
Binura Fernando (1-0-7-0) is back on.
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, Good-length ball, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim looks to cut it away but misses.Â
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! BANG! That is a mighty blow! Slower ball, on off. Mushfiqur Rahim gets low, picks it up nicely and slog-sweeps it over deep square leg for a maximum.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Naim, A length ball, on off, driven to covers.
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, A friendly full toss, on middle. Rahim whips it to deep square leg for a single.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Naim, Back of a length, on off, drilled down to long off for a single.
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, A length ball, on middle. Rahim backs away and guides it to third man for a single.
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, Another length ball, on off. Rahim taps it to covers.
Dasun Shanaka comes into the attack.
Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Naim, On a length, on middle, tucked to mid-wicket for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, Hesitation in the middle. A full ball, on middle. Naim tucks it with soft hands to deep mid-wicket and takes a single. He wanted another single but was sent back and sigh of relief for him as the fielder misses his shy.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, Gives some flight to it now and serves it on middle. Rahim paddles it to deep square leg for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! He connected this one so well! A full ball, around off. Mushfiqur Rahim gets on his knee and slogs it over mid-wicket for a biggie.Â
DRINKS! Bangladesh have started well, courtesy of Mohammad Naim who has batted sensibly so far. The Bangla Tigers would be hoping that Naim along with the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim bat deep and take them to a good total.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, On middle. Naim leans and drills it down to wide long on for one more.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, Flighted ball, around off. Rahim heaves it to deep mid-wicket for another single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, Full on off, swept to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mushfiqur Rahim, A length ball, outside off. Rahim tries to cut it late but fails to get any bat on it. At the halfway mark, Bangladesh are 72/2.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, OVERTHROWS! On middle. Naim hits it straight back to the bowler. Chamika Karunaratne picks it up and scores a direct hit at the keeper's end. The ball ricochets to short fine leg where the fielder makes a great stop. A single.Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Mushfiqur Rahim, Full ball, on off. Rahim hits it to mid off for a quick single.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, On the pads, this is flicked to mid-wicket for a single.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, On a length, on off, Naim pushes it aerially and towards wide long off for a brace.Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, EDGY RUNS! This was on a length and around middle. Naim looks to play across the line but gets a top edge and the ball skies up over short backward point. Two runs taken.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, A loopy ball, on off, pushed down to long off for a single. 7 coming of the over then.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, Slightly shorter and on off. Mushfiqur Rahim cuts it through point for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, On middle, Mohammad Naim works it on the leg side for one more.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, This one stays low and was around off. Naim hits it to deep mid-wicket and takes a couple of runs. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but his throw was a bit wayward.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, Flatter now, outside off. Rahim gets low and cuts it to deep point for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to roll his arm now.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, Starts with a short ball, on off. Naim nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, Full ball, darted on the pads. Mohammad Naim tucks it to the leg side and collects a run. Just 3 runs and a wicket from the over!
Chamika Karunaratne to Mushfiqur Rahim, Short of a length, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim reaches out and looks to cut but it goes off the toe end towards third man. Rahim is off the mark with this single.
Chamika Karunaratne to Shakib Al Hasan, ! BOWLED! Huge wicket for Sri Lanka as Chamika Karunaratne gets the big fish! Back of a length, around leg. Shakib Al Hasan backs away and looks to heave it to the leg side but he misses and the ball crashes onto his leg stump. Karunaratne is ecstatic!
Mushfiqur Rahim is the new man in.
Chamika Karunaratne to Shakib Al Hasan, Back of a length, around off. Shakib Al Hasan stands tall and dabs it towards backward point.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, Short of a length, outside off. Mohammad Naim punches it to deep cover and takes a single.
Chamika Karunaratne is back into the attack. Gave away just 2 runs in his first over.Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, Length ball, around off. Mohammad Naim taps it towards backward point.
Charith Asalanka to Shakib Al Hasan, ! Asalanka errs in his length yet again and serves it short, outside off. Shakib Al Hasan rocks back and cuts it past point. Dushmantha Chameera at deep cover runs to his right and puts in a dive but the ball wins the race.Â
Charith Asalanka to Shakib Al Hasan, Flatter ball, on middle. Shakib Al Hasan hits it straight back to the bowler.
Charith Asalanka to Mohammad Naim, Fuller in length, outside off. Mohammad Naim skips down and eases it to long off for a run.
Charith Asalanka to Mohammad Naim, ! Punished by Mohammad Naim! Just a tad short, around off. Naim stays back and cuts it past point for another boundary.
Charith Asalanka to Shakib Al Hasan, Flatter ball, on off. Shakib Al Hasan miscues his cut shot and it takes the inner half of the bat. The ball goes to mid-wicket and the batters cross ends.
Charith Asalanka to Shakib Al Hasan, ! What a shot! Tossed up, around off. Shakib Al Hasan lofts it over covers and collects a boundary.
Time for some spin as Charith Asalanka is brought on.
Lahiru Kumara to Shakib Al Hasan, A low full toss, on leg. Shakib Al Hasan tucks it to the leg side to get off the mark with one. At the end of the Powerplay, Bangladesh are 41/1.
Shakib Al Hasan walks out at number 3.
Lahiru Kumara to Liton Das, ! CAUGHT! Lahiru Kumara strikes and Bangladesh lose their first wicket! Length ball, around off. Liton Das skips down and looks to go over mid off but it goes off the toe end which does not give him the desired elevation.The ball goes straight to Dasun Shanaka at mid off who takes a simple catch. Oh dear! Some words exchanged between Liton Das and Lahiru Kumara here! Sri Lankan players come in along with the umpire to seperate the two.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Full ball, outside off. Mohammad Naim reaches out and gets the toe end of the bat. The ball goes behind the sticks and the batters take a run.
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Well bowled! Kumara hurls a yorker, outside off. Mohammad Naim fails to dig it out!
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Length ball, on off. Mohammad Naim drives but finds the cover fielder.
Lahiru Kumara to Liton Das, Top effort from Dasun Shanaka at mid off! Length ball, outside off. Liton Das drives but Shanaka moves across to his left and puts in a dive to stop the ball. The batters cross for one.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, A good bumper to end the over! Chameera bangs it into the deck, around middle. Mohammad Naim lets it through to the keeper.
Dushmantha Chameera to Liton Das, Good-length ball, outside off. Liton Das cuts hard but finds the backward point fielder who dives to stop the ball. A single taken.
Dushmantha Chameera to Liton Das, ! Top shot! Short of a length, outside off. Liton Das moves across in his crease and pierces it through the cover-point region to collect a boundary.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, Slower ball, shorter in length, around off. Mohammad Naim pushes it to cover and takes a quick run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, Back of a length, around leg. Mohammad Naim stays back and pulls it to the right of the deep mid-wicket fielder. The batters take two.
Dushmantha Chameera to Liton Das, Full ball, outside off. Liton Das pushes it to mid off and scampers through for a single. The fielder at mid off has a shy at the striker's end but Das was well inside the crease.
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Well bowled! Kumara bowls a yorker now, on middle. Mohammad Naim does well to jam it out back to the bowler. Lahiru Kumara collects the ball and has a wild throw at the striker's end as Mohammad Naim was out of his crease. A stare from Lahiru Kumara and Mohammad Naim follows!Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, ! Powerful shot! Lahiru Kumara shortens his length, on middle. Mohammad Naim clears his front leg and smacks it towards long on. Couple of bounces and into the fence.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, A low full toss, on middle. Naim toe-ends it to mid on.
Lahiru Kumara to Liton Das, Pitched up, on off. Liton Das drives towards extra cover. The fielder dives to his right to stop the ball. The batters take a single.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Liton Das, Good-length ball, on off. Liton Das leans onto it and drives but the cover fielder makes a good stop diving to his left.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Full and wide, outside off. Mohammad Naim reaches out and slices it uppishly over cover-point. He collects three runs.Â
Lahiru Kumara is into the attack now.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, Chameera take the pace off and bowls it on middle, Mohammad Naim pushes it to mid on for a single. A good over for Bangladesh. 12 runs coming from it.Â
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, ! Makes full use of the free hit this time! Fuller in length, on off, at 150 kph. Mohammad Naim clears his front leg and whips it through mid-wicket for a boundary.Â
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, NO BALL! A full toss, on leg. Mohammad Naim plays it uppishly over mid-wicket. He gets a couple of runs. Chameera has overstepped again and another Free Hit to Mohammad Naim.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, NO BALL! Dushmantha Chameera comes 'round the wicket now, bowls it short, on middle. Mohammad Naim tucks it on the leg side. Dushmantha Chameera will have to reload again as he has overstepped. Free Hit to follow...
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, A well-directed bouncer, on leg. Mohammad Naim ducks underneath.Â
Dushmantha Chameera to Liton Das, Length ball, outside off. Liton Das guides it to third man. He rotates the strike by picking up a single.Â
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, Short of a length, on middle. Mohammad Naim tucks it to square leg for a run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Liton Das, Good-length ball, on middle at 146 kph. Liton Das works it to mid-wicket for a single.Â
Dushmantha Chameera is into the attack. Â
Binura Fernando to Mohammad Naim, Full and outside off, Mohammad Naim drives it through covers for a couple of runs. 7 runs from the over.Â
Binura Fernando to Liton Das, Full again, on middle and leg. Liton Das flicks it to deep mid-wicket. He crosses ends.Â
Binura Fernando to Liton Das, ! Nicely done! Fuller in length, down the leg side. Liton Das tickles it fine past the keeper to fine leg for a boundary.Â
Binura Fernando to Liton Das, Short of a length, on off. Liton Das dabs it towards backward point with soft hands. No run taken.Â
Binura Fernando to Liton Das, Well bowled! Fuller length, on off, at 127 kph. Liton Das defends it back to the bowler.Â
Who will bowl from the other end? It is Binura Fernando.
Binura Fernando to Liton Das, Length ball, nipping back in, on leg. Liton Das tucks it on the leg side.Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, Back of a length, on leg. Mohammad Naim looks to work it on the leg side but gets a leading edge back onto the deck. A good start from Chamika Karunaratne. Only 2 runs from the over.Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Liton Das, Short of a length, on middle, at 140 kph. Liton Das knocks it in front of mid on for a run.
Chamika Karunaratne to Liton Das, Lenght ball, outside off, at 139 kph. Liton Das puts a stride forward and works it to backward point. Mohammad Naim looks for a single but is sent back. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, Good-length ball, on leg. Mohammad Naim tucks it to deep square leg for a single. Bangladesh and Mohammad Naim are underway!Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, On a good length, on off. Mohammad Naim hops and taps it towards point.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, Chamika Karunaratne starts with a full-length ball, outside off. Mohammad Naim leans onto it and drives but finds the cover fielder.Â
The players are out on the field and have lined up for their respective national anthems. It is Bangladesh's first followed by Sri Lanka's. Done with all the pre-match formalities. We are all set for the action. The players of Sri Lanka are out to the middle and Mohammad Naim and Liton Das are the openers for Bangladesh. Chamika Karunaratne to start with the ball. Here we go...
Pitch Report -Â Danny Morrison and Murali Kartik are inspecting the deck. Morrison says that the pitch is brown and will stay slow and low. Kartik says that it is well rolled down and the bowlers may want to bowl wicket-to-wicket.
Mahmudullah, the skipper of Bangladesh, says that they would have batted first anyway. Says that they need to play with the conditions and it looks good to bat on. Adds that after losing the first match in the qualifiers, the boys are pretty relaxed and are looking forward to this game. Informs that Taskin Ahmed is out and Nasum Ahmed comes in.
Dasun Shanaka, the skipper of Sri Lanka, says they will bowl first as their bowlers have been doing good job so far. Adds that they don't know exactly how the pitch will behave so they would like to chase. Tells that they are confident going into this game as they have played really well in last couple of games. Ends by by saying that they have a slight injury concern so Maheesh Theekshana misses out and in comes Binura Fernando.
Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Mohammad Naim, Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah (C), Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan (WK), Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Nasum Ahmed (In for Taskin Ahmed), Mustafizur Rahman.
TOSS - Dasun Shanaka and Mahmudullah are out in the middle for all-important coin toss. Dasun Shanaka gives it a flip. Mahmudullah calls it 'Tails' but 'Heads' it falls. Sri Lanka have won the toss and have elected to BOWL first.Â
... MATCH DAY ...
Bangladesh went down against Scotland in their first game of the qualifiers but then bounced back and closed the qualifiers with 2 wins. They have exuded great character to seal a spot in the Super 12. Shakib Al Hasan has been at the forefront for them. He has scored 108 runs and have picked up 9 wickets in 3 matches. Mahmudullah and Mohammad Naim also came with telling contributions in the qualifiers and the Tigers would want to start their Super 12 campaign on a winning note.
The Islanders didn't put a foot wrong in the preliminary stage as they won all their three games comprehensively. Their bowlers have been exceptional and the highest score they have conceded so far is 101. The side have already been two-time runner's up, have reached one semifinal and also have a trophy in their cabinet and with such performances in the qualifiers, they cannot be ruled out yet. Sri Lanka have met Bangladesh once in T20 World Cup where the Lankans emerged victorious. They have a
A warm welcome to everyone for the coverage of the T20 World Cup where Sri Lanka will cross swords with Bangladesh. Both the Asian sides had to earn their spot to be in the Super 12. A good start in a rather challenging group is imperative and heading into this clash, both the teams will be keen on making an impact straight away. So who are you backing?
12
Diabytes
Sri Lanka
172/5(18.5 Overs)
Right then! 172 runs needed for Sri Lanka to chase it down. The batters of Bangladesh have done their job and now it is time for their bowlers to step up. Will they be able to do it? We will find out soon as the second essay is coming up.Â
Mushfiqur Rahim is up for a quick chat, he says that it was a good wicket to bat on. Mentions that they have to bowl and field really well now to restrict them. Adds that Sri Lanka have a young side and they thought that if they can put runs on the board, they can put pressure on Sri Lanka. Tells that Mohammad Naim batted brilliantly. Ends by saying that they can defend this total.
Sri Lanka will be slightly disappointed with the way things have gone. After a bright start from their bowlers, things were right in control but they failed to break the big partnership and that saw the game slipping away. The middle phase was totally dominated by the opposition as Sri Lanka were not able to chip in wickets. Binura though came into the attack in the fag end and took a wicket but the damage was already done. Sri Lanka clearly missed their magician Maheesh Theekshana today. Â
Bangladesh were off to a sensible start as both the openers were careful with their shots. A bit of high temperament from Liton Das cost him his wicket. Hopes were high from the Bangladesh dugout on Shakib Al Hasan to deliver but he failed to do so. In the end, a partnership was needed for the Tigers and Mohammad Naim and Mushfiqur Rahim showed great grit and determination. The veteran, Rahim and the youngster, Naim, combined to stitch a 73-run partnership. Naim departed after bringing up his
It is not an easy job to bat on this Sharjah pitch but Bangladesh have done an incredible job to post a total above 170. A very commanding performance from them and they will be very happy going into the break.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! What a way to end the innings! Mushfiqur Rahim has taken his team past 170! Full ball, around off. Rahim moves across and scoops it over short fine leg to finish with a boundary. Bangladesh end with 171/4.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mahmudullah, Short ball, on off. Mahmudullah miscues his pull towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mahmudullah, ! Good wrist work from Mahmudullah! Overpitched ball, outside off. Mahmudullah leans and opens the face of the bat to hit this one past the cover-point fielder.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, Another full ball, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim stays back and squeezes it past point for a single.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, Full ball, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim chips it over covers and takes a couple of runs.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, Swing and a miss! Slower ball, shorter in length, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim looks to cut hard but does not get any bat on it.
Lahiru Kumara to Mahmudullah, ! Nicely done! A low full toss, around off. Mahmudullah hits it straight back past the bowler for a boundary.
Lahiru Kumara to Mahmudullah, TWO LEG BYES! Yorker-length ball, down leg. Mahmudullah misses his flick and gets hit low on his pad. The ball rolls away to the leg side and they take a couple of leg byes!
Lahiru Kumara to Mushfiqur Rahim, NO BALL AND A BYE! Oh, dear! That could have been nasty! Kumara loses the grip of the ball and he hurls a beamer, around middle. Mushfiqur Rahim ducks underneath. The keeper fumbles and they sneak in a bye. Free Hit to follow.
Mahmudullah walks out to bat.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mahmudullah, Full ball, outside off. Mahmudullah looks to heave it away but he gets an inside edge onto his pads. The batters cross for one.
A run out appeal has been sent upstairs. Replay shows that Afif Hossain was well short of his crease and has to depart. The third umpire confirms the same by signalling on the big screen.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Afif Hossain, ! RUN OUT! Bangladesh lose their fourth wicket now! Fuller in length, on leg. Afif Hossain looks to whip it away but misses. He gets rapped on the pads. The ball rolls back to the bowler and Afif Hossain takes off to take a single but has no idea where the ball went. Lahiru Kumara picks up the ball quickly and scores a direct hit at the striker's end. The umpire refers it upstairs and the replay shows that Afif Hossain didn't make it back to the creas
Lahiru Kumara to Afif Hossain, Full ball, around leg. Afif Hossain backs away to slog it but he misses it completely.
Lahiru Kumara to bowl the penultimate over.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mushfiqur Rahim, Full ball, around middle. Mushfiqur Rahim stays back and flicks it to wide of long on to collect a run. He gets to his 6th T20I fifty and what a crucial innings this has been for Bangladesh!
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, Full ball, way outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim gets low and drives it to sweeper cover and takes a single.
Dushmantha Chameera to Afif Hossain, Excellent delivery! A yorker, around off. Afif Hossain digs it out onto the deck and the batters scamper through for a run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, Leg bye! Full ball, just outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim shuffles across and tries to scoop it over the keeper but he misses and gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls away to the off side and the batters sneak in a leg bye.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! Easy pickings! Short ball, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim hangs back and just slices it over backward point. The ball races away to the fence.
Dushmantha Chameera to Afif Hossain, Full ball, outside off. Afif Hossain carves it through covers for a single.
Dushmantha Chameera (2-0-21-0) comes back into the attack.Â
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, Back of a length, way outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim cuts it to deep point and collects a run.
Binura Fernando to Afif Hossain, ! Nicely done! Slower ball, on a length, darted on the pads. Afif Hossain stays back and whips it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, Full ball, on middle. Mushfiqur Rahim goes deep in his crease and heaves it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! Width on offer, outside off and Mushfiqur Rahim pounces on it! Cuts it past point and collects a boundary.
Binura Fernando to Afif Hossain, Good-length ball, around leg. Afif Hossain tickles it to short fine leg and takes a single to get off the mark.
Afif Hossain is the new batsman in.
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, Short of a length, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim cuts it towards deep cover and takes a run.
Binura Fernando (2-0-16-0) comes back on.Â
Binura Fernando to Mohammad Naim, ! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Finally, Sri Lanka get the much-needed breakthrough and it is Binura Fernando who comes to their rescue! Fernando serves a slower ball, shorter in length, around off. Mohammad Naim looks to heave it away but only manages a top edge and the ball lobs up in the air to the left of the bowler. Binura Fernando runs there and takes a simple catch.
Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Naim, Very full, on middle. Naim drills it down to long on for a single.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, Excellent yorker, on off. Rahim advances down the track and squirts it down to long on for one.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, WIDE! Short ball, down the leg side. Wided.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, Short ball, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim shimmies down the track and slaps it to deep extra cover. The fielder there does well to flick the ball inside the boundary. Keeps it down to a couple of runs.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Naim, Pitched up, on off. Naim drives it to long off for a single.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Naim, ! Streaky! Slower delivery, outside off. Mohammad Naim hangs back and looks to cut. The ball goes off the outside edge and beats the fielder at short third man for a boundary.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, Lenght ball, down the leg side. Mushfiqur Rahim looks to heave it away but misses and the ball goes off his pads to the keeper. The batters to take a bye.Â
Dasun Shanaka (1-0-4-0) is back into the attack.
Wanindu Hasaranga (2-0-18-0) comes back into the attack.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, Another googly on off, Naim rocks back and cuts it straight to point. 11 runs from the over.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, A googly on off, Rahim reads it well and punches it through covers off the back foot for a run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, On middle, Naim clips it to mid-wicket for a single.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, Touch shorter, outside off. Rahim punches it through covers for one.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! Make that two in a row! Short and on leg, Mushfiqur Rahim shuffles across the off stump and smacks it towards deep backward square leg for another boundary.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! This is top-class batting! On middle, Mushfiqur Rahim sweeps this one powerfully towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, ! Whoa! Lahiru Kumara bangs this one short, on middle. Mohammad Naim pulls it with disdain towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary. That came right from the meat of the bat.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Back of a length, on middle. Naim taps it to the point fielder.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, ! That is beautifully played! Fuller in length, on middle. Mohammad Naim clears his front leg and smashes the ball towards long on. The fielder runs to his right to catch the ball and dives but it falls short of him. One bounce and into the fence. He also gets to his fifty. Has been a fantastic knock from him. 100 up for Bangladesh as well!Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mushfiqur Rahim, Again! A yorker, on middle. Mushfiqur Rahim jams it out to long on for a single.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Right into the blockhole, on off. Mohammad Naim squeezes it out to third man for one.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mushfiqur Rahim, A run out chance missed! On a length, on off. Mushfiqur Rahim dabs it to backward point. Mohammad Naim takes off for a single but is sent back by Mushfiqur Rahim. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses and the batters take a run eventually.Â
Lahiru Kumara (2-0-11-1) comes back to bowl.
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, A full toss, outside off, Rahim steers it to deep point. A single is taken.Â
Binura Fernando to Mohammad Naim, Short of a length, on middle. Mohammad Naim pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single this time.Â
Binura Fernando to Mohammad Naim, Binura Fernando hits the deck hard this time, outside off. Mohammad Naim hops and looks to carve it over point but fails to connect.Â
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, Short of a length, on middle. Mushfiqur Rahim stays deep in his crease and dabs it down to third man for a single.Â
Binura Fernando (1-0-7-0) is back on.
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, Good-length ball, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim looks to cut it away but misses.Â
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! BANG! That is a mighty blow! Slower ball, on off. Mushfiqur Rahim gets low, picks it up nicely and slog-sweeps it over deep square leg for a maximum.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Naim, A length ball, on off, driven to covers.
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, A friendly full toss, on middle. Rahim whips it to deep square leg for a single.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Naim, Back of a length, on off, drilled down to long off for a single.
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, A length ball, on middle. Rahim backs away and guides it to third man for a single.
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, Another length ball, on off. Rahim taps it to covers.
Dasun Shanaka comes into the attack.
Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Naim, On a length, on middle, tucked to mid-wicket for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, Hesitation in the middle. A full ball, on middle. Naim tucks it with soft hands to deep mid-wicket and takes a single. He wanted another single but was sent back and sigh of relief for him as the fielder misses his shy.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, Gives some flight to it now and serves it on middle. Rahim paddles it to deep square leg for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! He connected this one so well! A full ball, around off. Mushfiqur Rahim gets on his knee and slogs it over mid-wicket for a biggie.Â
DRINKS! Bangladesh have started well, courtesy of Mohammad Naim who has batted sensibly so far. The Bangla Tigers would be hoping that Naim along with the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim bat deep and take them to a good total.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, On middle. Naim leans and drills it down to wide long on for one more.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, Flighted ball, around off. Rahim heaves it to deep mid-wicket for another single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, Full on off, swept to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mushfiqur Rahim, A length ball, outside off. Rahim tries to cut it late but fails to get any bat on it. At the halfway mark, Bangladesh are 72/2.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, OVERTHROWS! On middle. Naim hits it straight back to the bowler. Chamika Karunaratne picks it up and scores a direct hit at the keeper's end. The ball ricochets to short fine leg where the fielder makes a great stop. A single.Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Mushfiqur Rahim, Full ball, on off. Rahim hits it to mid off for a quick single.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, On the pads, this is flicked to mid-wicket for a single.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, On a length, on off, Naim pushes it aerially and towards wide long off for a brace.Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, EDGY RUNS! This was on a length and around middle. Naim looks to play across the line but gets a top edge and the ball skies up over short backward point. Two runs taken.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, A loopy ball, on off, pushed down to long off for a single. 7 coming of the over then.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, Slightly shorter and on off. Mushfiqur Rahim cuts it through point for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, On middle, Mohammad Naim works it on the leg side for one more.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, This one stays low and was around off. Naim hits it to deep mid-wicket and takes a couple of runs. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but his throw was a bit wayward.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, Flatter now, outside off. Rahim gets low and cuts it to deep point for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to roll his arm now.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, Starts with a short ball, on off. Naim nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, Full ball, darted on the pads. Mohammad Naim tucks it to the leg side and collects a run. Just 3 runs and a wicket from the over!
Chamika Karunaratne to Mushfiqur Rahim, Short of a length, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim reaches out and looks to cut but it goes off the toe end towards third man. Rahim is off the mark with this single.
Chamika Karunaratne to Shakib Al Hasan, ! BOWLED! Huge wicket for Sri Lanka as Chamika Karunaratne gets the big fish! Back of a length, around leg. Shakib Al Hasan backs away and looks to heave it to the leg side but he misses and the ball crashes onto his leg stump. Karunaratne is ecstatic!
Mushfiqur Rahim is the new man in.
Chamika Karunaratne to Shakib Al Hasan, Back of a length, around off. Shakib Al Hasan stands tall and dabs it towards backward point.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, Short of a length, outside off. Mohammad Naim punches it to deep cover and takes a single.
Chamika Karunaratne is back into the attack. Gave away just 2 runs in his first over.Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, Length ball, around off. Mohammad Naim taps it towards backward point.
Charith Asalanka to Shakib Al Hasan, ! Asalanka errs in his length yet again and serves it short, outside off. Shakib Al Hasan rocks back and cuts it past point. Dushmantha Chameera at deep cover runs to his right and puts in a dive but the ball wins the race.Â
Charith Asalanka to Shakib Al Hasan, Flatter ball, on middle. Shakib Al Hasan hits it straight back to the bowler.
Charith Asalanka to Mohammad Naim, Fuller in length, outside off. Mohammad Naim skips down and eases it to long off for a run.
Charith Asalanka to Mohammad Naim, ! Punished by Mohammad Naim! Just a tad short, around off. Naim stays back and cuts it past point for another boundary.
Charith Asalanka to Shakib Al Hasan, Flatter ball, on off. Shakib Al Hasan miscues his cut shot and it takes the inner half of the bat. The ball goes to mid-wicket and the batters cross ends.
Charith Asalanka to Shakib Al Hasan, ! What a shot! Tossed up, around off. Shakib Al Hasan lofts it over covers and collects a boundary.
Time for some spin as Charith Asalanka is brought on.
Lahiru Kumara to Shakib Al Hasan, A low full toss, on leg. Shakib Al Hasan tucks it to the leg side to get off the mark with one. At the end of the Powerplay, Bangladesh are 41/1.
Shakib Al Hasan walks out at number 3.
Lahiru Kumara to Liton Das, ! CAUGHT! Lahiru Kumara strikes and Bangladesh lose their first wicket! Length ball, around off. Liton Das skips down and looks to go over mid off but it goes off the toe end which does not give him the desired elevation.The ball goes straight to Dasun Shanaka at mid off who takes a simple catch. Oh dear! Some words exchanged between Liton Das and Lahiru Kumara here! Sri Lankan players come in along with the umpire to seperate the two.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Full ball, outside off. Mohammad Naim reaches out and gets the toe end of the bat. The ball goes behind the sticks and the batters take a run.
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Well bowled! Kumara hurls a yorker, outside off. Mohammad Naim fails to dig it out!
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Length ball, on off. Mohammad Naim drives but finds the cover fielder.
Lahiru Kumara to Liton Das, Top effort from Dasun Shanaka at mid off! Length ball, outside off. Liton Das drives but Shanaka moves across to his left and puts in a dive to stop the ball. The batters cross for one.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, A good bumper to end the over! Chameera bangs it into the deck, around middle. Mohammad Naim lets it through to the keeper.
Dushmantha Chameera to Liton Das, Good-length ball, outside off. Liton Das cuts hard but finds the backward point fielder who dives to stop the ball. A single taken.
Dushmantha Chameera to Liton Das, ! Top shot! Short of a length, outside off. Liton Das moves across in his crease and pierces it through the cover-point region to collect a boundary.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, Slower ball, shorter in length, around off. Mohammad Naim pushes it to cover and takes a quick run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, Back of a length, around leg. Mohammad Naim stays back and pulls it to the right of the deep mid-wicket fielder. The batters take two.
Dushmantha Chameera to Liton Das, Full ball, outside off. Liton Das pushes it to mid off and scampers through for a single. The fielder at mid off has a shy at the striker's end but Das was well inside the crease.
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Well bowled! Kumara bowls a yorker now, on middle. Mohammad Naim does well to jam it out back to the bowler. Lahiru Kumara collects the ball and has a wild throw at the striker's end as Mohammad Naim was out of his crease. A stare from Lahiru Kumara and Mohammad Naim follows!Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, ! Powerful shot! Lahiru Kumara shortens his length, on middle. Mohammad Naim clears his front leg and smacks it towards long on. Couple of bounces and into the fence.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, A low full toss, on middle. Naim toe-ends it to mid on.
Lahiru Kumara to Liton Das, Pitched up, on off. Liton Das drives towards extra cover. The fielder dives to his right to stop the ball. The batters take a single.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Liton Das, Good-length ball, on off. Liton Das leans onto it and drives but the cover fielder makes a good stop diving to his left.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Full and wide, outside off. Mohammad Naim reaches out and slices it uppishly over cover-point. He collects three runs.Â
Lahiru Kumara is into the attack now.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, Chameera take the pace off and bowls it on middle, Mohammad Naim pushes it to mid on for a single. A good over for Bangladesh. 12 runs coming from it.Â
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, ! Makes full use of the free hit this time! Fuller in length, on off, at 150 kph. Mohammad Naim clears his front leg and whips it through mid-wicket for a boundary.Â
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, NO BALL! A full toss, on leg. Mohammad Naim plays it uppishly over mid-wicket. He gets a couple of runs. Chameera has overstepped again and another Free Hit to Mohammad Naim.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, NO BALL! Dushmantha Chameera comes 'round the wicket now, bowls it short, on middle. Mohammad Naim tucks it on the leg side. Dushmantha Chameera will have to reload again as he has overstepped. Free Hit to follow...
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, A well-directed bouncer, on leg. Mohammad Naim ducks underneath.Â
Dushmantha Chameera to Liton Das, Length ball, outside off. Liton Das guides it to third man. He rotates the strike by picking up a single.Â
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, Short of a length, on middle. Mohammad Naim tucks it to square leg for a run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Liton Das, Good-length ball, on middle at 146 kph. Liton Das works it to mid-wicket for a single.Â
Dushmantha Chameera is into the attack. Â
Binura Fernando to Mohammad Naim, Full and outside off, Mohammad Naim drives it through covers for a couple of runs. 7 runs from the over.Â
Binura Fernando to Liton Das, Full again, on middle and leg. Liton Das flicks it to deep mid-wicket. He crosses ends.Â
Binura Fernando to Liton Das, ! Nicely done! Fuller in length, down the leg side. Liton Das tickles it fine past the keeper to fine leg for a boundary.Â
Binura Fernando to Liton Das, Short of a length, on off. Liton Das dabs it towards backward point with soft hands. No run taken.Â
Binura Fernando to Liton Das, Well bowled! Fuller length, on off, at 127 kph. Liton Das defends it back to the bowler.Â
Who will bowl from the other end? It is Binura Fernando.
Binura Fernando to Liton Das, Length ball, nipping back in, on leg. Liton Das tucks it on the leg side.Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, Back of a length, on leg. Mohammad Naim looks to work it on the leg side but gets a leading edge back onto the deck. A good start from Chamika Karunaratne. Only 2 runs from the over.Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Liton Das, Short of a length, on middle, at 140 kph. Liton Das knocks it in front of mid on for a run.
Chamika Karunaratne to Liton Das, Lenght ball, outside off, at 139 kph. Liton Das puts a stride forward and works it to backward point. Mohammad Naim looks for a single but is sent back. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, Good-length ball, on leg. Mohammad Naim tucks it to deep square leg for a single. Bangladesh and Mohammad Naim are underway!Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, On a good length, on off. Mohammad Naim hops and taps it towards point.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, Chamika Karunaratne starts with a full-length ball, outside off. Mohammad Naim leans onto it and drives but finds the cover fielder.Â
The players are out on the field and have lined up for their respective national anthems. It is Bangladesh's first followed by Sri Lanka's. Done with all the pre-match formalities. We are all set for the action. The players of Sri Lanka are out to the middle and Mohammad Naim and Liton Das are the openers for Bangladesh. Chamika Karunaratne to start with the ball. Here we go...
Pitch Report -Â Danny Morrison and Murali Kartik are inspecting the deck. Morrison says that the pitch is brown and will stay slow and low. Kartik says that it is well rolled down and the bowlers may want to bowl wicket-to-wicket.
Mahmudullah, the skipper of Bangladesh, says that they would have batted first anyway. Says that they need to play with the conditions and it looks good to bat on. Adds that after losing the first match in the qualifiers, the boys are pretty relaxed and are looking forward to this game. Informs that Taskin Ahmed is out and Nasum Ahmed comes in.
Dasun Shanaka, the skipper of Sri Lanka, says they will bowl first as their bowlers have been doing good job so far. Adds that they don't know exactly how the pitch will behave so they would like to chase. Tells that they are confident going into this game as they have played really well in last couple of games. Ends by by saying that they have a slight injury concern so Maheesh Theekshana misses out and in comes Binura Fernando.
Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Mohammad Naim, Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah (C), Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan (WK), Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Nasum Ahmed (In for Taskin Ahmed), Mustafizur Rahman.
Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Kusal Perera (WK), Pathum Nissanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando (In for Maheesh Theekshana), Lahiru Kumara.
TOSS - Dasun Shanaka and Mahmudullah are out in the middle for all-important coin toss. Dasun Shanaka gives it a flip. Mahmudullah calls it 'Tails' but 'Heads' it falls. Sri Lanka have won the toss and have elected to BOWL first.Â
... MATCH DAY ...
Bangladesh went down against Scotland in their first game of the qualifiers but then bounced back and closed the qualifiers with 2 wins. They have exuded great character to seal a spot in the Super 12. Shakib Al Hasan has been at the forefront for them. He has scored 108 runs and have picked up 9 wickets in 3 matches. Mahmudullah and Mohammad Naim also came with telling contributions in the qualifiers and the Tigers would want to start their Super 12 campaign on a winning note.
The Islanders didn't put a foot wrong in the preliminary stage as they won all their three games comprehensively. Their bowlers have been exceptional and the highest score they have conceded so far is 101. The side have already been two-time runner's up, have reached one semifinal and also have a trophy in their cabinet and with such performances in the qualifiers, they cannot be ruled out yet. Sri Lanka have met Bangladesh once in T20 World Cup where the Lankans emerged victorious. They have a
A warm welcome to everyone for the coverage of the T20 World Cup where Sri Lanka will cross swords with Bangladesh. Both the Asian sides had to earn their spot to be in the Super 12. A good start in a rather challenging group is imperative and heading into this clash, both the teams will be keen on making an impact straight away. So who are you backing?
Right then! 172 runs needed for Sri Lanka to chase it down. The batters of Bangladesh have done their job and now it is time for their bowlers to step up. Will they be able to do it? We will find out soon as the second essay is coming up.Â
Mushfiqur Rahim is up for a quick chat, he says that it was a good wicket to bat on. Mentions that they have to bowl and field really well now to restrict them. Adds that Sri Lanka have a young side and they thought that if they can put runs on the board, they can put pressure on Sri Lanka. Tells that Mohammad Naim batted brilliantly. Ends by saying that they can defend this total.
Sri Lanka will be slightly disappointed with the way things have gone. After a bright start from their bowlers, things were right in control but they failed to break the big partnership and that saw the game slipping away. The middle phase was totally dominated by the opposition as Sri Lanka were not able to chip in wickets. Binura though came into the attack in the fag end and took a wicket but the damage was already done. Sri Lanka clearly missed their magician Maheesh Theekshana today. Â
Bangladesh were off to a sensible start as both the openers were careful with their shots. A bit of high temperament from Liton Das cost him his wicket. Hopes were high from the Bangladesh dugout on Shakib Al Hasan to deliver but he failed to do so. In the end, a partnership was needed for the Tigers and Mohammad Naim and Mushfiqur Rahim showed great grit and determination. The veteran, Rahim and the youngster, Naim, combined to stitch a 73-run partnership. Naim departed after bringing up his
It is not an easy job to bat on this Sharjah pitch but Bangladesh have done an incredible job to post a total above 170. A very commanding performance from them and they will be very happy going into the break.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! What a way to end the innings! Mushfiqur Rahim has taken his team past 170! Full ball, around off. Rahim moves across and scoops it over short fine leg to finish with a boundary. Bangladesh end with 171/4.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mahmudullah, Short ball, on off. Mahmudullah miscues his pull towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mahmudullah, ! Good wrist work from Mahmudullah! Overpitched ball, outside off. Mahmudullah leans and opens the face of the bat to hit this one past the cover-point fielder.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, Another full ball, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim stays back and squeezes it past point for a single.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, Full ball, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim chips it over covers and takes a couple of runs.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, Swing and a miss! Slower ball, shorter in length, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim looks to cut hard but does not get any bat on it.
Lahiru Kumara to Mahmudullah, ! Nicely done! A low full toss, around off. Mahmudullah hits it straight back past the bowler for a boundary.
Lahiru Kumara to Mahmudullah, TWO LEG BYES! Yorker-length ball, down leg. Mahmudullah misses his flick and gets hit low on his pad. The ball rolls away to the leg side and they take a couple of leg byes!
Lahiru Kumara to Mushfiqur Rahim, NO BALL AND A BYE! Oh, dear! That could have been nasty! Kumara loses the grip of the ball and he hurls a beamer, around middle. Mushfiqur Rahim ducks underneath. The keeper fumbles and they sneak in a bye. Free Hit to follow.
Mahmudullah walks out to bat.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mahmudullah, Full ball, outside off. Mahmudullah looks to heave it away but he gets an inside edge onto his pads. The batters cross for one.
A run out appeal has been sent upstairs. Replay shows that Afif Hossain was well short of his crease and has to depart. The third umpire confirms the same by signalling on the big screen.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Afif Hossain, ! RUN OUT! Bangladesh lose their fourth wicket now! Fuller in length, on leg. Afif Hossain looks to whip it away but misses. He gets rapped on the pads. The ball rolls back to the bowler and Afif Hossain takes off to take a single but has no idea where the ball went. Lahiru Kumara picks up the ball quickly and scores a direct hit at the striker's end. The umpire refers it upstairs and the replay shows that Afif Hossain didn't make it back to the creas
Lahiru Kumara to Afif Hossain, Full ball, around leg. Afif Hossain backs away to slog it but he misses it completely.
Lahiru Kumara to bowl the penultimate over.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mushfiqur Rahim, Full ball, around middle. Mushfiqur Rahim stays back and flicks it to wide of long on to collect a run. He gets to his 6th T20I fifty and what a crucial innings this has been for Bangladesh!
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, Full ball, way outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim gets low and drives it to sweeper cover and takes a single.
Dushmantha Chameera to Afif Hossain, Excellent delivery! A yorker, around off. Afif Hossain digs it out onto the deck and the batters scamper through for a run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, Leg bye! Full ball, just outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim shuffles across and tries to scoop it over the keeper but he misses and gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls away to the off side and the batters sneak in a leg bye.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! Easy pickings! Short ball, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim hangs back and just slices it over backward point. The ball races away to the fence.
Dushmantha Chameera to Afif Hossain, Full ball, outside off. Afif Hossain carves it through covers for a single.
Dushmantha Chameera (2-0-21-0) comes back into the attack.Â
Dushmantha Chameera to Mushfiqur Rahim, Back of a length, way outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim cuts it to deep point and collects a run.
Binura Fernando to Afif Hossain, ! Nicely done! Slower ball, on a length, darted on the pads. Afif Hossain stays back and whips it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, Full ball, on middle. Mushfiqur Rahim goes deep in his crease and heaves it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! Width on offer, outside off and Mushfiqur Rahim pounces on it! Cuts it past point and collects a boundary.
Binura Fernando to Afif Hossain, Good-length ball, around leg. Afif Hossain tickles it to short fine leg and takes a single to get off the mark.
Afif Hossain is the new batsman in.
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, Short of a length, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim cuts it towards deep cover and takes a run.
Binura Fernando (2-0-16-0) comes back on.Â
Binura Fernando to Mohammad Naim, ! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Finally, Sri Lanka get the much-needed breakthrough and it is Binura Fernando who comes to their rescue! Fernando serves a slower ball, shorter in length, around off. Mohammad Naim looks to heave it away but only manages a top edge and the ball lobs up in the air to the left of the bowler. Binura Fernando runs there and takes a simple catch.
Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Naim, Very full, on middle. Naim drills it down to long on for a single.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, Excellent yorker, on off. Rahim advances down the track and squirts it down to long on for one.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, WIDE! Short ball, down the leg side. Wided.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, Short ball, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim shimmies down the track and slaps it to deep extra cover. The fielder there does well to flick the ball inside the boundary. Keeps it down to a couple of runs.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Naim, Pitched up, on off. Naim drives it to long off for a single.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Naim, ! Streaky! Slower delivery, outside off. Mohammad Naim hangs back and looks to cut. The ball goes off the outside edge and beats the fielder at short third man for a boundary.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, Lenght ball, down the leg side. Mushfiqur Rahim looks to heave it away but misses and the ball goes off his pads to the keeper. The batters to take a bye.Â
Dasun Shanaka (1-0-4-0) is back into the attack.
Wanindu Hasaranga (2-0-18-0) comes back into the attack.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, Another googly on off, Naim rocks back and cuts it straight to point. 11 runs from the over.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, A googly on off, Rahim reads it well and punches it through covers off the back foot for a run.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, On middle, Naim clips it to mid-wicket for a single.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, Touch shorter, outside off. Rahim punches it through covers for one.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! Make that two in a row! Short and on leg, Mushfiqur Rahim shuffles across the off stump and smacks it towards deep backward square leg for another boundary.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! This is top-class batting! On middle, Mushfiqur Rahim sweeps this one powerfully towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, ! Whoa! Lahiru Kumara bangs this one short, on middle. Mohammad Naim pulls it with disdain towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary. That came right from the meat of the bat.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Back of a length, on middle. Naim taps it to the point fielder.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, ! That is beautifully played! Fuller in length, on middle. Mohammad Naim clears his front leg and smashes the ball towards long on. The fielder runs to his right to catch the ball and dives but it falls short of him. One bounce and into the fence. He also gets to his fifty. Has been a fantastic knock from him. 100 up for Bangladesh as well!Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mushfiqur Rahim, Again! A yorker, on middle. Mushfiqur Rahim jams it out to long on for a single.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Right into the blockhole, on off. Mohammad Naim squeezes it out to third man for one.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mushfiqur Rahim, A run out chance missed! On a length, on off. Mushfiqur Rahim dabs it to backward point. Mohammad Naim takes off for a single but is sent back by Mushfiqur Rahim. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses and the batters take a run eventually.Â
Lahiru Kumara (2-0-11-1) comes back to bowl.
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, A full toss, outside off, Rahim steers it to deep point. A single is taken.Â
Binura Fernando to Mohammad Naim, Short of a length, on middle. Mohammad Naim pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single this time.Â
Binura Fernando to Mohammad Naim, Binura Fernando hits the deck hard this time, outside off. Mohammad Naim hops and looks to carve it over point but fails to connect.Â
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, Short of a length, on middle. Mushfiqur Rahim stays deep in his crease and dabs it down to third man for a single.Â
Binura Fernando (1-0-7-0) is back on.
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, Good-length ball, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim looks to cut it away but misses.Â
Binura Fernando to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! BANG! That is a mighty blow! Slower ball, on off. Mushfiqur Rahim gets low, picks it up nicely and slog-sweeps it over deep square leg for a maximum.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Naim, A length ball, on off, driven to covers.
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, A friendly full toss, on middle. Rahim whips it to deep square leg for a single.Â
Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Naim, Back of a length, on off, drilled down to long off for a single.
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, A length ball, on middle. Rahim backs away and guides it to third man for a single.
Dasun Shanaka to Mushfiqur Rahim, Another length ball, on off. Rahim taps it to covers.
Dasun Shanaka comes into the attack.
Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Naim, On a length, on middle, tucked to mid-wicket for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, Hesitation in the middle. A full ball, on middle. Naim tucks it with soft hands to deep mid-wicket and takes a single. He wanted another single but was sent back and sigh of relief for him as the fielder misses his shy.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, Gives some flight to it now and serves it on middle. Rahim paddles it to deep square leg for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, ! He connected this one so well! A full ball, around off. Mushfiqur Rahim gets on his knee and slogs it over mid-wicket for a biggie.Â
DRINKS! Bangladesh have started well, courtesy of Mohammad Naim who has batted sensibly so far. The Bangla Tigers would be hoping that Naim along with the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim bat deep and take them to a good total.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, On middle. Naim leans and drills it down to wide long on for one more.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, Flighted ball, around off. Rahim heaves it to deep mid-wicket for another single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, Full on off, swept to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mushfiqur Rahim, A length ball, outside off. Rahim tries to cut it late but fails to get any bat on it. At the halfway mark, Bangladesh are 72/2.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, OVERTHROWS! On middle. Naim hits it straight back to the bowler. Chamika Karunaratne picks it up and scores a direct hit at the keeper's end. The ball ricochets to short fine leg where the fielder makes a great stop. A single.Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Mushfiqur Rahim, Full ball, on off. Rahim hits it to mid off for a quick single.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, On the pads, this is flicked to mid-wicket for a single.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, On a length, on off, Naim pushes it aerially and towards wide long off for a brace.Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, EDGY RUNS! This was on a length and around middle. Naim looks to play across the line but gets a top edge and the ball skies up over short backward point. Two runs taken.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, A loopy ball, on off, pushed down to long off for a single. 7 coming of the over then.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, Slightly shorter and on off. Mushfiqur Rahim cuts it through point for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, On middle, Mohammad Naim works it on the leg side for one more.
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, This one stays low and was around off. Naim hits it to deep mid-wicket and takes a couple of runs. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but his throw was a bit wayward.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mushfiqur Rahim, Flatter now, outside off. Rahim gets low and cuts it to deep point for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga to roll his arm now.Â
Wanindu Hasaranga to Mohammad Naim, Starts with a short ball, on off. Naim nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, Full ball, darted on the pads. Mohammad Naim tucks it to the leg side and collects a run. Just 3 runs and a wicket from the over!
Chamika Karunaratne to Mushfiqur Rahim, Short of a length, outside off. Mushfiqur Rahim reaches out and looks to cut but it goes off the toe end towards third man. Rahim is off the mark with this single.
Chamika Karunaratne to Shakib Al Hasan, ! BOWLED! Huge wicket for Sri Lanka as Chamika Karunaratne gets the big fish! Back of a length, around leg. Shakib Al Hasan backs away and looks to heave it to the leg side but he misses and the ball crashes onto his leg stump. Karunaratne is ecstatic!
Mushfiqur Rahim is the new man in.
Chamika Karunaratne to Shakib Al Hasan, Back of a length, around off. Shakib Al Hasan stands tall and dabs it towards backward point.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, Short of a length, outside off. Mohammad Naim punches it to deep cover and takes a single.
Chamika Karunaratne is back into the attack. Gave away just 2 runs in his first over.Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, Length ball, around off. Mohammad Naim taps it towards backward point.
Charith Asalanka to Shakib Al Hasan, ! Asalanka errs in his length yet again and serves it short, outside off. Shakib Al Hasan rocks back and cuts it past point. Dushmantha Chameera at deep cover runs to his right and puts in a dive but the ball wins the race.Â
Charith Asalanka to Shakib Al Hasan, Flatter ball, on middle. Shakib Al Hasan hits it straight back to the bowler.
Charith Asalanka to Mohammad Naim, Fuller in length, outside off. Mohammad Naim skips down and eases it to long off for a run.
Charith Asalanka to Mohammad Naim, ! Punished by Mohammad Naim! Just a tad short, around off. Naim stays back and cuts it past point for another boundary.
Charith Asalanka to Shakib Al Hasan, Flatter ball, on off. Shakib Al Hasan miscues his cut shot and it takes the inner half of the bat. The ball goes to mid-wicket and the batters cross ends.
Charith Asalanka to Shakib Al Hasan, ! What a shot! Tossed up, around off. Shakib Al Hasan lofts it over covers and collects a boundary.
Time for some spin as Charith Asalanka is brought on.
Lahiru Kumara to Shakib Al Hasan, A low full toss, on leg. Shakib Al Hasan tucks it to the leg side to get off the mark with one. At the end of the Powerplay, Bangladesh are 41/1.
Shakib Al Hasan walks out at number 3.
Lahiru Kumara to Liton Das, ! CAUGHT! Lahiru Kumara strikes and Bangladesh lose their first wicket! Length ball, around off. Liton Das skips down and looks to go over mid off but it goes off the toe end which does not give him the desired elevation.The ball goes straight to Dasun Shanaka at mid off who takes a simple catch. Oh dear! Some words exchanged between Liton Das and Lahiru Kumara here! Sri Lankan players come in along with the umpire to seperate the two.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Full ball, outside off. Mohammad Naim reaches out and gets the toe end of the bat. The ball goes behind the sticks and the batters take a run.
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Well bowled! Kumara hurls a yorker, outside off. Mohammad Naim fails to dig it out!
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Length ball, on off. Mohammad Naim drives but finds the cover fielder.
Lahiru Kumara to Liton Das, Top effort from Dasun Shanaka at mid off! Length ball, outside off. Liton Das drives but Shanaka moves across to his left and puts in a dive to stop the ball. The batters cross for one.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, A good bumper to end the over! Chameera bangs it into the deck, around middle. Mohammad Naim lets it through to the keeper.
Dushmantha Chameera to Liton Das, Good-length ball, outside off. Liton Das cuts hard but finds the backward point fielder who dives to stop the ball. A single taken.
Dushmantha Chameera to Liton Das, ! Top shot! Short of a length, outside off. Liton Das moves across in his crease and pierces it through the cover-point region to collect a boundary.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, Slower ball, shorter in length, around off. Mohammad Naim pushes it to cover and takes a quick run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, Back of a length, around leg. Mohammad Naim stays back and pulls it to the right of the deep mid-wicket fielder. The batters take two.
Dushmantha Chameera to Liton Das, Full ball, outside off. Liton Das pushes it to mid off and scampers through for a single. The fielder at mid off has a shy at the striker's end but Das was well inside the crease.
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Well bowled! Kumara bowls a yorker now, on middle. Mohammad Naim does well to jam it out back to the bowler. Lahiru Kumara collects the ball and has a wild throw at the striker's end as Mohammad Naim was out of his crease. A stare from Lahiru Kumara and Mohammad Naim follows!Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, ! Powerful shot! Lahiru Kumara shortens his length, on middle. Mohammad Naim clears his front leg and smacks it towards long on. Couple of bounces and into the fence.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, A low full toss, on middle. Naim toe-ends it to mid on.
Lahiru Kumara to Liton Das, Pitched up, on off. Liton Das drives towards extra cover. The fielder dives to his right to stop the ball. The batters take a single.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Liton Das, Good-length ball, on off. Liton Das leans onto it and drives but the cover fielder makes a good stop diving to his left.Â
Lahiru Kumara to Mohammad Naim, Full and wide, outside off. Mohammad Naim reaches out and slices it uppishly over cover-point. He collects three runs.Â
Lahiru Kumara is into the attack now.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, Chameera take the pace off and bowls it on middle, Mohammad Naim pushes it to mid on for a single. A good over for Bangladesh. 12 runs coming from it.Â
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, ! Makes full use of the free hit this time! Fuller in length, on off, at 150 kph. Mohammad Naim clears his front leg and whips it through mid-wicket for a boundary.Â
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, NO BALL! A full toss, on leg. Mohammad Naim plays it uppishly over mid-wicket. He gets a couple of runs. Chameera has overstepped again and another Free Hit to Mohammad Naim.
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, NO BALL! Dushmantha Chameera comes 'round the wicket now, bowls it short, on middle. Mohammad Naim tucks it on the leg side. Dushmantha Chameera will have to reload again as he has overstepped. Free Hit to follow...
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, A well-directed bouncer, on leg. Mohammad Naim ducks underneath.Â
Dushmantha Chameera to Liton Das, Length ball, outside off. Liton Das guides it to third man. He rotates the strike by picking up a single.Â
Dushmantha Chameera to Mohammad Naim, Short of a length, on middle. Mohammad Naim tucks it to square leg for a run.
Dushmantha Chameera to Liton Das, Good-length ball, on middle at 146 kph. Liton Das works it to mid-wicket for a single.Â
Dushmantha Chameera is into the attack. Â
Binura Fernando to Mohammad Naim, Full and outside off, Mohammad Naim drives it through covers for a couple of runs. 7 runs from the over.Â
Binura Fernando to Liton Das, Full again, on middle and leg. Liton Das flicks it to deep mid-wicket. He crosses ends.Â
Binura Fernando to Liton Das, ! Nicely done! Fuller in length, down the leg side. Liton Das tickles it fine past the keeper to fine leg for a boundary.Â
Binura Fernando to Liton Das, Short of a length, on off. Liton Das dabs it towards backward point with soft hands. No run taken.Â
Binura Fernando to Liton Das, Well bowled! Fuller length, on off, at 127 kph. Liton Das defends it back to the bowler.Â
Who will bowl from the other end? It is Binura Fernando.
Binura Fernando to Liton Das, Length ball, nipping back in, on leg. Liton Das tucks it on the leg side.Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, Back of a length, on leg. Mohammad Naim looks to work it on the leg side but gets a leading edge back onto the deck. A good start from Chamika Karunaratne. Only 2 runs from the over.Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Liton Das, Short of a length, on middle, at 140 kph. Liton Das knocks it in front of mid on for a run.
Chamika Karunaratne to Liton Das, Lenght ball, outside off, at 139 kph. Liton Das puts a stride forward and works it to backward point. Mohammad Naim looks for a single but is sent back. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, Good-length ball, on leg. Mohammad Naim tucks it to deep square leg for a single. Bangladesh and Mohammad Naim are underway!Â
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, On a good length, on off. Mohammad Naim hops and taps it towards point.
Chamika Karunaratne to Mohammad Naim, Chamika Karunaratne starts with a full-length ball, outside off. Mohammad Naim leans onto it and drives but finds the cover fielder.Â
The players are out on the field and have lined up for their respective national anthems. It is Bangladesh's first followed by Sri Lanka's. Done with all the pre-match formalities. We are all set for the action. The players of Sri Lanka are out to the middle and Mohammad Naim and Liton Das are the openers for Bangladesh. Chamika Karunaratne to start with the ball. Here we go...
Pitch Report -Â Danny Morrison and Murali Kartik are inspecting the deck. Morrison says that the pitch is brown and will stay slow and low. Kartik says that it is well rolled down and the bowlers may want to bowl wicket-to-wicket.
Mahmudullah, the skipper of Bangladesh, says that they would have batted first anyway. Says that they need to play with the conditions and it looks good to bat on. Adds that after losing the first match in the qualifiers, the boys are pretty relaxed and are looking forward to this game. Informs that Taskin Ahmed is out and Nasum Ahmed comes in.
Dasun Shanaka, the skipper of Sri Lanka, says they will bowl first as their bowlers have been doing good job so far. Adds that they don't know exactly how the pitch will behave so they would like to chase. Tells that they are confident going into this game as they have played really well in last couple of games. Ends by by saying that they have a slight injury concern so Maheesh Theekshana misses out and in comes Binura Fernando.
Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Mohammad Naim, Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah (C), Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan (WK), Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Nasum Ahmed (In for Taskin Ahmed), Mustafizur Rahman.
Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Kusal Perera (WK), Pathum Nissanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando (In for Maheesh Theekshana), Lahiru Kumara.
TOSS - Dasun Shanaka and Mahmudullah are out in the middle for all-important coin toss. Dasun Shanaka gives it a flip. Mahmudullah calls it 'Tails' but 'Heads' it falls. Sri Lanka have won the toss and have elected to BOWL first.Â
... MATCH DAY ...
Bangladesh went down against Scotland in their first game of the qualifiers but then bounced back and closed the qualifiers with 2 wins. They have exuded great character to seal a spot in the Super 12. Shakib Al Hasan has been at the forefront for them. He has scored 108 runs and have picked up 9 wickets in 3 matches. Mahmudullah and Mohammad Naim also came with telling contributions in the qualifiers and the Tigers would want to start their Super 12 campaign on a winning note.
The Islanders didn't put a foot wrong in the preliminary stage as they won all their three games comprehensively. Their bowlers have been exceptional and the highest score they have conceded so far is 101. The side have already been two-time runner's up, have reached one semifinal and also have a trophy in their cabinet and with such performances in the qualifiers, they cannot be ruled out yet. Sri Lanka have met Bangladesh once in T20 World Cup where the Lankans emerged victorious. They have a
A warm welcome to everyone for the coverage of the T20 World Cup where Sri Lanka will cross swords with Bangladesh. Both the Asian sides had to earn their spot to be in the Super 12. A good start in a rather challenging group is imperative and heading into this clash, both the teams will be keen on making an impact straight away. So who are you backing?