In an Asia Cup Super 4 match, Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by 21 runs behind an exciting performance by Sadeera Samarawickrama (93) to extend their ODI winning streak to 13.
Dasun Shanaka, who celebrated his birthday on Saturday, was also the man with the golden arm as the Sri Lankan captain took three wickets to help his team hold Bangladesh to 257 in a Super Four match of the Asia Cup at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
With a 21-run victory, the home team increased their winning streak in ODIs to 13, which is second only to Australia's 21-match streak from 2003. Bangladesh was also all but eliminated.
Shanaka scored early points by outplaying Bangladesh's starters with the short ball. When Towhid Hridoy (82, 97b, 7x4, 1x6) and Mushfiqur Rahim (72, 97b, 7x4, 1x6) appeared to be setting up a match with a sturdy 72-run stand for the fifth wicket, his slower ball sent Rahim back and roused the fans.
When Bangladesh's tail was exposed, Hridoy increased the stakes but was caught in front by Maheesh Theekshana's carrom ball in the 49th over, when Matheesha Pathirana's hurling yorkers put an end to Bangladesh's challenge.
Earlier, if Sadeera Samarawickrama hadn't scored a career-best 93 off just 72 balls, Sri Lanka wouldn't have reached 256 for nine.
When the 28-year-old reached his 45-ball half-century, he smoothly increased his pace. He demonstrated his ability to keep the scoreboard moving quickly and without showing much aggression with his subtle six in the final over from Taskin Ahmed, a slicing action over point.
In danger was Kusal Mendis (50, 73b, 6x4, 1x6). As soon as he pulled Shoriful Islam for his first six, he was dropped at deep square-leg. He was caught attempting to ramp a bouncer from Islam shortly after completing his fifty off 69 balls with a pulled four.
However, his injection of intent was just what the doctor ordered after Shakib Al Hasan and Nasum Ahmed strangled the scoring pace. They expanded on the foundation that Taskin and Hasan Mahmud had established by getting the new ball to talk, but Samarawickrama's knock utterly eclipsed their efforts.
