Bangladesh have been completely outplayed and swallowed by hosts Sri Lanka in two out of the three ODIs played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Needless to say, the Sri Lankan lions have taken an unassailable lead of 2-0 against the Bangla tigers in their own den.
On Sunday, opener Avishka Fernando played a brilliant match-winning knock – 82 off 75 balls – and helped Sri Lanka to reach 242-3 in 44.4 overs. After restricting Bangladesh to 238-8 in spite of an unbeaten 98 from Mushfiqur Rahim, Sri Lanka chased down the total with ease.
Besides Fernando, who was adjudged ‘Man of the Match’ for his quick-fire 82 runs, Angelo Mathews and Kusal Mendis made 52 and 41 runs respectively.
“I am disappointed to not get to the three-figure mark and hopefully I can convert my starts into bigger knocks in the future,” said young Avishka Fernando after the match.
As far as the bowling is concerned, the Sri Lankan trio of Nuwan Pradeep, Isuru Udana and Akila Dananjaya came in handy by picking wickets on and off. Each of them went on to scalp two wickets.
“We did really well and it was on our minds that we hadn’t won at home in a long time. It was challenging against Bangladesh but we did really well. We wanted to bat first but that’s how things go. Bowlers did a good job and put their hands up. Akila came after a long time to the team and did really well. Did his job perfectly of keeping the pressure,”captain Dimuth Karunaratne said after Sri Lanka’s thumping victory.
“Avishka was told to play freely as we knew that the wicket will turn more as the innings progresses. Unfortunate that he couldn’t get his hundred, hopefully, he will do it in the future,” he added.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Sri Lanka win by seven wickets and seal the series with a game to spare!
Avishka Fernando was in fine form today, hitting a 75-ball 82 🙌 #SLvBAN pic.twitter.com/QfywCcz6fZ
— ICC (@ICC) July 28, 2019
And thats a win!! First ODI series victory for Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka since 2016.. well done boys.. very well done.. #SLvBAN
— Ahamed Nishadh (@ahamednishadh) July 28, 2019
https://twitter.com/Sakun_SD/status/1155514465967718400
Avishka Fernando's strokes looks like he batted on a different surface.. #SLvBAN #lka
— Chandima Vithana (@CVithana) July 28, 2019
50 for Mathews!! Series victory after 3 years and 9 months!! #SLvBAN
— Ieshaka Karunarathne (@IeshakaK) July 28, 2019
The last match of the series will be played at the same venue on July 31.
