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The first T20I of the three-match series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at Sylhet International Stadium turned out to be a gripping spectacle, captivating fans and keeping them on the edge of their seats until the very last ball. While both teams showcased remarkable batting prowess, it was Sri Lanka who ultimately triumphed over the home side, securing a narrow three-run victory in an exhilarating encounter.
Following the close defeat of his team in a high-scoring encounter, Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto opened up about his team’s performance, shedding light on where they fell short.
The Sri Lankan onslaught
Asked to bat first, Sri Lanka set a formidable target of 207 for Bangladesh after a commanding batting display. Kusal Mendis (59), Sadeera Samarawickrama (61), and Charith Asalanka (44) played pivotal roles, showcasing their prowess with powerful strokes and an impressive six-hitting display by Asalanka. Despite notable efforts from Bangladesh’s bowlers, including Shoriful Islam and Taskin Ahmed, Sri Lanka’s strong batting lineup proved challenging to contain.
Bangladesh’s valiant chase: Jaker Ali’s heroic effort in vain
Chasing the daunting target, Bangladesh fought valiantly but ultimately fell short, finishing their innings at 203/8 in 20 overs. Jaker Ali Anik‘s explosive innings of 68 runs off 34 balls and Mahmudullah‘s 54 off 31 balls injected momentum into the chase. However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Angelo Mathews and Binura Fernando, managed to control the flow of runs and pick crucial wickets at key moments. With this win, the Islanders went 1-0 up against the home side in the three-game leg.
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Najmul Hossain Shanto reflects on the defeat
Bangladesh skipper Shanto candidly shared his thoughts on the match after his team’s defeat. Acknowledging the character displayed by his team, he specifically praised the performances of Jaker and Mahmudullah, highlighting their contributions to the team’s effort. However, Shanto also identified a crucial aspect where his team fell short and revealed that not executing the set plans well enough was the reason behind Bangladesh’s close loss.
“It was a very good match. The boys showed a lot of character, Ali came into the team and showed a lot of intent. We started well with the ball but did not execute our plans later. Riyad’s innings was amazing along with Jaker’s, hope they contribute in the next match as well,” said Shanto.
