Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 3rd T20I, Nidahas Trophy 2018: 5 Talking Points
Going into the game, Sri Lanka were firm favourites especially after their performance against India in the first game of the tri-series.
They also were on course for their second win of the series during the half-way mark.
But, Bangladesh pulled off a heist as they chased down 215 (fourth-highest run chase in T20I history) to register a memorable win.
Mushfiqur Rahim’s 72 overshadowed Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis’ heroics in the first innings as Bangladesh got their first points of the tri-series on the board.
#5 Sri Lanka maximise the powerplay once again
One of the reasons Sri Lanka were able to chase down 175 against India as they got off to a blistering start.
They scored 75 in the first six overs (powerplay) and that set them up for the run chase.
In today’s game against Bangladesh, they batted first but continued their approach of attacking in the powerplay.
They managed to score 70 runs in the first six overs even today. The openers, Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka had put the Bangladesh bowlers under pressure straight away.
The first over set the tone for the innings. Taskin Ahmed was taken for 13 runs in the first over of the game. He then went for 22 runs in his second over (fourth over of the innings) and it was this over which injected impetus to Sri Lanka’s innings.
Even though the hosts lost Gunathilaka, they did not lose momentum as they reached 70/1 at the end of the powerplay.
All three pacers (Rubel, Taskin and Mustafizur) were taken for plenty. The bowlers were guilty of bowling short and were punished.