Bangladesh’s woes in International cricket continue as the Tigers succumbed once again against the reigning champions Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup encounter played at Dambulla.
It was a comprehensive win to say the least, as after piling a huge total of 312, the hosts blew away Bangladesh for a mere 186 runs in the 41st over to complete a 126 run rout.
The hosts opted to bat first after winning the toss, and the duo of Dilshan and Tharanga provided another flying start to the Lions, toying with the insipid Bangladeshi attack on a batting friendly Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium wicket.
Dilshan was at his aggressive best, smashing the directionless attack of the Tigers all around the park in a master class stroke.
The right-hander blazed away to 71 off only 51 balls, striking as many as 11 fours and one six before falling to Bangladeshi skipper Shakib Al Hasan.
Tharanga was the anchor on the other end; the lefthander struck 54 before being dismissed by Mahmudullah. His knock included five fours.
The experienced duo of Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara once again emphasised their penchant for batting together and scoring risk free runs.
Following their 66 runs stand against Pakistan, the two added 69 runs in the match before Jayawardene was dismissed for a classy 43 off 35 balls. His innings included six boundary fours.
Sangakkara also completed his half century, but just like his partners failed to take maximum advantage of the situation, falling for 52 off 69 balls.
The final impetus in the innings was provided by the swinging blades of Angelo Mathews and Chamara Kapugedera: the two added some brisk runs at the end of the innings ensuring that the hosts go past the 300 run mark.
Mathews made 42 off 41 balls, and remained not out, to follow his half century against Pakistan. Kapugedera, on the other hand, contributed an unbeaten knock of 37 runs off 30 balls.
The hosts closed their innings on 312 for 4. The Tigers looked toothless in their bowling effort on the placid track; Shafiq Ul Islam was the pick amongst the bowlers claiming 2 for 59, while skipper Shakib Al Hasan returned figures of 1 for 49 off 10 overs.
The start for the Tigers was less than impressive, as Imrul Kayes was sent packing for only 3 runs in the third over of the innings.
The second wicket partnership of Bangladesh’s number one batsman Tamim Iqbal and Junaid Siddique saw the addition of 57 runs, before Siddiqui was dismissed by the wizard from Kandy, Muttiah Muralitharan.
Tamim Iqbal completed his half century, yet was dismissed soon after, after contributing 53 runs, signalling the end of the resistance from the Tigers.
The diminutive Mohammad Ashraful was dismissed cheaply, and the rest of the batting order also caved in cheaply, handing the hosts a comfortable win, which has all but secured their position in the final of the tournament set to be played on the 24th of this month on the same venue.
The Tigers packed in for 186 in the 41st over of the innings, handing a resounding win besides a bonus point to the Sri Lanka.
The hosts were indebted to a fine all-round show, and the bowlers like the batsman played their part in the win.
Lasith Malinga, who captured 5 wickets in the opening win against Pakistan, added two more scalps against Bangladesh, while Kulasekara (taking one wicket) and Welegedara (taking two) also chipped in.
The champion spinner Muralitharan, who came in for some rough treatment at the hands of Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, who smoked him for 5 sixes, redeemed himself with figures of 2 for 38 off 8 overs.
Tillakaratne Dilshan was named man of the match for his entertaining knock and three wicket haul.
The next match of the tournament is set to be played on Saturday between archrivals Pakistan and India at the same venue.
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