Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka led Sri Lanka to a five-wicket victory to get things going in the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka match.
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Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup Defense Commences with Victory
As Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by five wickets to begin their Asia Cup defense, Matheesha Pathirana’s four-wicket haul on his home debut in international cricket, along with half-centuries from Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka, were key factors.
Bangladesh struggled mightily to begin their innings at any stage. A 59-run partnership between Najmul Hossain Shanto and Towhid Hridoy produced the bulk of their runs.
Bangladesh’s 164-All Out After Najmul Hassan Shanto’s 89-Ball Innings
Only Bangaladeshi batter Najmul Hassan Shanto was able to get going. His dismissal left Bangaladeshi all out for 164 after he faced 89 balls.
Though it wasn’t an easy pursuit for Sri Lanka. Early in their innings, they lost a number of wickets until Samarawickrama and Asalanka added 78 runs for the fourth wicket. On 54 from 77 balls, Samarawickrama was out.
Asalanka persevered and reached his seventh ODI half-century.
With a boundary, Asalanka scored the winning runs.
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