News by “Sana Ullah”
CHATTOGRAM: Rishad Hossain showcased his aggressive prowess with a quickfire 48, complementing Tanzid Hasan Tamim’s solid 84 off 81 balls on Monday. Their partnership steered Bangladesh to a thrilling four-wicket win, clinching a 2-1 ODI series triumph against Sri Lanka.
Facing a modest target after Janith Liyanage’s unbeaten 101 guided Sri Lanka to 235 all out in 50 overs, Bangladesh chased down the total, reaching 237-6 in just 40.2 overs. Rishad remained unbeaten on 48 off just 18 balls.
Bangladesh found themselves in a tight spot when Mehdiy Hasan Miraz, the last recognized batsman, fell for 25 with the team still needing 58 runs for victory. However, Rishad’s aggressive onslaught turned the tide in Bangladesh’s favor.
He smashed four sixes and five fours in his whirlwind innings before Mushfiqur Rahim (37 not out) sealed the deal with a boundary off Maheesh Theekshana.
Tanzid Hasan Tamim initiated the chase, replacing Soumya Sarkar as a concussion substitute, despite Lahiru Kumara’s impressive spell of 4-48.
Liyanage had earlier fought a lone battle to his maiden century after Bangladesh struck at regular intervals, with Taskin Ahmed leading the bowling attack with figures of 3-42.
Although skipper Kusal Mendis (29) and Charith Asalanka (37) showed promise, they failed to convert their starts into big innings.
Sri Lanka, batting first after winning the toss, lost both openers within four overs. Taskin dismissed in-form opener Pathum Nissanka leg-before for one, followed by Avishka Fernando for four in his next over.
Mustafizur Rahman, playing his first match in the series, made an immediate impact by removing Sadeera Samarawickrama for 14 off his first ball.
Leg-spinner Rishad claimed Mendis as his first ODI wicket, also off his first delivery.
Despite Asalanka’s counter-attacking innings, Mustafizur and Mehidy Hasan Miraz kept picking wickets at crucial intervals.
However, Liyanage’s resilient century ensured Sri Lanka batted out their 50 overs, reaching 235. Mustafizur and Mehidy claimed 2-39 and 2-38, respectively.
Bangladesh had won the series opener by six wickets, with Sri Lanka bouncing back to win the second match by three wickets.
The focus now shifts to the upcoming two-match Test series, commencing on Friday in Sylhet.
