Dasun Shanaka has bowled an eight-run, two-wicket last over for Sri Lanka to beat Bangladesh by three runs in a thrilling Twenty20 series opener on Monday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Sri Lanka posted a respectable 3-206 with half-centuries from Sadeera Samarawickrama (61 not out off 48 balls) and and Kusal Mendis (59 off 36).
But debutant Jaker Ali gave Bangladesh a great chance at victory until he was out in the tense last over for 68 with 10 runs needed and three balls left. Bangladesh were ultimately left stranded on 203-8.
"Jaker showed a lot of intent, just like what he did in the (Bangladesh Premier League) but unfortunately we ended up losing," Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said. "We started well with the ball but did not execute our plans later."
In retrospect the late hitting of stand-in Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka, who made a 21-ball 44 not out with six sixes, was crucial.
He and Samarawickrama added 72 off 32 balls.
"It is short boundaries, lot of dew around, and we have to give the bowlers a chance as well," Asalanka said.
Bangladesh were reduced to 3-30 in the fifth over after Angelo Mathews took two wickets.
Veteran Mahmudullah, who made 54 off 31 playing his first T20 in two years, counter-attacked to bring the Tigers back in the contest. Jaker then led them to the brink before Shanaka denied Bangladesh victory.
The second match of three is on Wednesday.
Australian Associated Press
