Hero Cup ODI Series

Bangladesh Vs Sri Lanka Played at Rangiri International Stadium, Dambulla, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka 311 All Out (BKG Mendis 102, WU Tharanga 65, DAS Gunaratne 39, TAM Siriwardana 30, LD Chandimal 24, Taskin Ahmed 4/47 with a Hat-trick)

Match Washed Out after the Sri Lanka Innings for Incessant Rain.
DHAKA: Mendis and Taskin, Tharanga and Mushfique featured brightly in the rain ruined second ODI of the intriguing three-match ODI series featuring Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Kushal Mendis scored a sparkling century while Taskin took a last over hat-trick and a fascinating reflex return catch off his own bowling, captain Tharanga set the foundation for a formidable Lankan score of 311-run and Mushfique keeping wickets brilliantly took a stunning catch and made two vital run outs at crucial time.

Finally, incessant rain made abrupt end to the match after Sri Lanka set a target of 312-run for Bangladesh to win. No team in the past did that at Dambulla but none could guarantee also that Bangladesh could not win given the flat surface and the quality and depth of Bangladesh batting. With two matches gone and one ODI left only Bangladesh can win the series if they win at SCC or the match is again abandoned for natural reason. Sri Lanka can only level the series.

It could be a mouthwatering fascinating contest if match could continue till end. Bangladesh was on the threshold of creating a history of sealing the fate of the series with a difficult but not impossible win chasing a very steep target of 312-run on an easy paced flat wicket and fast out field. Sri Lanka was desperate for squaring the series bringing in several changes in the lineup. They were sailing for 330-350 score being led by 93 runs sizzling partnership between Mendis and Gunaratne. Mendis went on to scoring his first ODI century 102 with the help of none 4’s and a 6.

Earlier, captain Tharanga was looking great scoring 64 off 75 balls. He ran himself out in a bizarre fashion to Mustafiz’s no ball. His brain-freeze let him run down the wicket with keeper Mushfique striking his stumps down using his presence of mind.

Sri Lanka almost batted Bangladesh out of the match. But an anti-climax witnessed Taskin striking a last over hat-trick restricting Sri Lanka to 311. Taskin first had Asela Gunaratne caught at mid-off in the third ball of the final over by Soumya Sarkar. Suranga Lakmal was the next to go when he was snapped up by Mustafiz at midwicket. Nuwan Pradeep, having the unenviable task of keeping out the hat-trick, was bowled off in an inswinging yorker.

Taskin joined the elite group of Bangladeshi bowlers after Shahadat Hossain, Abdur Razzak, Rubel Hossain and Taijul Islam to reach this milestone, which he celebrated with his typical spread-eagle celebration.

Though Sri Lanka reached a formidable score of 311-run yet Bangladesh finished high with momentum going to them from unbelievable late order Lankan collapse. Another 20-30 runs could take the game completely out of Bangladesh’s grasp. Sri Lanka lost their last six wickets for 40 runs after Mendis stitched up two vital partnerships -- 111-run for the second wicket with Tharanga and 83 for the third wicket with Chandimal.

None but captain courageous Mashrafe could contain the free flowing Sri Lankan batsmen at that stage. Mustafiz, Mehedi, Shakib were leaking runs. Mashrafe for reasons best known to him did not use experienced Mahmudullah even for a single over. Young Mosaddek was also hammered when given opportunity.

Lankan Captain Tharanga appearing in his 200th ODI was leading the charge. His partner Mendis looked scratchy at the start but gradually got over his nerve after an edge off Mustafiz flew harmlessly through the slip cordon. He set his roots from there on. Tharanga and Mendis were threatening to bat Bangladesh out of the match when Tharanga ran himself out in a bizarre fashion. He tried for an impossible run from a Mustafiz beamer which Mushfique half stopped. Mahmudullah direct throw caught Tharanga stranded. Mendis changed the tone striking a six off the free hit and followed with a lovely driven four. Fizz conceded 20 in that over. Mendis went on merrily scoring at free will of what appeared ordinary Bangladesh bowling. His first ODI century came in the 36th over of the match. Sri Lanka were looking set for 330 plus runs but Bangladeshi bowlers suddenly turned the tide. Chandimal and Mendis got out in quick succession.

Mendis struck a fierce bowler’s back drive which struck a painful blow to Taskin on the shoulder. He had the presence of mind for turning around and grasping the bouncing ball. Though the two new batsman Milinda Siriwardana and Asela Gunaratne then halted the slide for a while with a 55-run stand for the fifth wicket still the tempo was lost.

Mehedi bowled Siriwardana. Gunaratne bringing out his paddles and the big heaves (29-ball 39) took Sri Lanka past 300. Taskin appeared on the scene with the task of last over when he struck gold removing Gunaratne, Lakmal and Pradeep off the third, fourth and fifth balls of the 50th over. Sri Lanka finished 311 all out.

The wicket did not assist any bowler. No pace, no swing and no turn. Outfield was lightning fast. Very uncharacteristic of Dambulla pitch. Slight grass cover did not allow spinners or Mustafiz slower ones any grip. We are not sure Sri Lankans with four pacers could defend the score though Bangladesh would have to set new records to win chasing successfully over 300-run. But rain had the final say with no ball could be bowled for Bangladesh innings. The teams now travel to Colombo for final showdown at SCC. Only Bangladesh can win the series from here.

The match will be remembered for many reasons. The way Tharanga and Mendis got out after batting so well, Mushfique’s outstanding wicket keeping. Taskin’s brilliant hat-trick and Mashrafe’s bravery with famous repaired knees.

BDST: 0923 HRS, MAR 29, 2017
SR