"Never a dull contest in this rivalry" - Fans react to Bangladesh's 2-wicket win over Sri Lanka in 2024 T20 World Cup
Bangladesh squared off against Sri Lanka at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, in match number 15 of the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup on Friday, June 7 (local time). The contest proved to be a thrilling one, living up to the hype surrounding the Asian rivals.
After being asked to bat first, Sri Lanka failed to register an imposing score. Opener Pathum Nissanka was the top performer with his gutsy 47-run knock. However, the remaining batters didn't contribute significantly and the side finished at 124/9 after 20 overs.
Mustafizur Rahman and Rishad Hossain were the pick of the Bangladeshi bowlers, claiming three wickets each. Despite the below-par score, Sri Lanka did not go down without a fight.
Bangladesh found themselves in a precarious position, losing three wickets within the powerplay. Senior keeper-batter Liton Das played a crucial knock under pressure, scoring 36 runs.
Towhid Hridoy delivered a stellar performance later in the innings with a quick-fire 40 in just 20 deliveries. Bangladesh chased down the target in 19 overs to eke out a narrow two-wicket victory.
Following the match, several fans took to social media to react to the closely fought battle. Here are some of the top reactions:
A number of fans pointed out how the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka cricketing rivalry has led to multiple entertaining contests.
"Always trust Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to deliver cracker of the game out of nowhere!! Ultimate rivalry!!" commented a fan.
"WHAT IS HAPPENING GREATEST RIVALRY FOR A REASON." remarked another.
"The greatest rivalry certainly lived up to the exceptions. In a low scoring thriller, Towhid Hridoy played a match winning knock with 3 back to back sixes. SL fought well but were always behind due to their batting failure. No excited celebration?" chimed in yet another.
It is worth mentioning that the rivalry between these two teams has intensified over the years. Their clashes have no shortage of entertainment, from over-the-top celebrations and tempers flaring, to a timed out dismissal.
"If we had got 150-160, we could have won with our bowling attack" - Sri Lankan skipper Wanindu Hasaranga on 2-wicket loss to Bangladesh
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Sri Lankan captain Wanindu Hasaranga suggested that the team's batters couldn't capitalize on their impressive start.
He opined that they would have had a better chance of winning the game had they scored somewhere around 150. Hasaranga said:
"We started really well in the first 10 overs but in the middle overs we batted badly. Bowling is our strength. If we had got 150-160 we could have won with our bowling attack. The batters let us down in both games. We still have two games and we will try to do our best. Maheesh (Theekshana) and myself are the two main spinners and we have to attack."
Najmul Hossain Shanto and Co. have kicked off their campaign with a victory and are currently placed third in Group D. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have suffered losses in their first two fixtures and are languishing at the bottom of the standings.