Shanaka’s Six-Hitting Frenzy Lifts Sri Lanka to 168 Against Bangladesh

Sri Lanka has posted a strong total of 168 against Bangladesh at Dubai. This is the first match of the Super Four stage, hence both teams are looking to win it to make a strong start. The pitch at Dubai was a bit dry, but Sri Lanka used its batting resources perfectly to put on a strong total on the board. Dasun Shanaka remained the star of the Sri Lankan batting innings, as he played a furious knock of 64 runs by hitting 9 boundaries in total.

After winning the toss, Bangladesh quickly chose to bowl first. They made the decision after looking at the dry nature of the pitch. They made two changes in their squad for today’s game by including   Mahedi Hasan and Shoriful Islam in place of Rishad Hossain and Nurul Hasan. Both are specialist bowlers, giving Bangladesh attack a strong chance against the rampant Sri Lankan team.

Sri Lanka made a strong start in the Powerplay, as their openers played freely against Bangladesh bowlers. Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka took down the experienced Nasum and Shoriful by targeting the short boundary. Both looked very well with the bat today, until Taskin Ahmed removed Nissanka in the 5th over.

Once the Powerplay ended and Nissanka got out, things became difficult for Sri Lanka. They struggled to lift the tempo that was set in the Powerplay. Kusal Mendis, who was once again looking set, got out in the 8th over while trying to take on the deep backward square leg fielder. He got out after making just 34 runs in today’s Super Four clash.

Kamil Mishara, who came out to bat at number 3, also couldn’t do much in the middle. He looked uncomfortable from the start due to Bangladesh's tight bowling. After getting Mendis wicket, Mahedi Hasan then sent Mishara back to the pavilion in the 10th over. This was the time when Bangladesh was in full control of the match. They squeezed the scoring rate of Sri Lanka batters, precisely due to bowling tight line and length deliveries.

The batting innings of Sri Lanka now looked very shaky, as experienced performers like Mendis, Nissanka and Perera were already sent back to the dugout. But, things changed as soon as Dasun Shanaka came out to bat. He made a clear difference in today’s match by playing an exceptional knock of 64 runs off just 37 balls.

Dasun Shanaka took down every Bangladesh bowler ferociously. He looked in complete control in today’s game, as his six-hitting frenzy disrupted the plans of Bangladesh. Due to his great hitting at the death, Sri Lanka once again posted a strong total of 168 on the scoreboard. This could ultimately prove to be a match-winning innings, should Sri Lanka successfully defend this total in the second innings.