T20 World Cup 2024: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh clinched a nail-biting two-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup 2024. This defeat marks Sri Lanka’s second loss in the tournament, severely denting their hopes of qualifying for the Super 8 stages. Defending a modest total of 124, Nuwan Thushara’s four-wicket haul almost kept Sri Lanka in contention, but Bangladesh managed to edge past with an over to spare.
Where Was the Game Won?
The game was decisively won in the death overs. At 100/3 after 14 overs, Sri Lanka seemed poised to set a challenging target. However, a crucial double-wicket over from Rishad Hossain initiated a collapse that saw the 2014 champions add only 24 runs in the final six overs. This collapse restricted Sri Lanka to a below-par total, which eventually cost them the match.
Sri Lanka’s Innings: T20 World Cup 2024: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
Powerplay: The Only Phase Dominated by Sri Lanka
- Phase Score: 53/2 (RR: 8.83, 4s/6s: 9/1)
- Despite losing Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis, Sri Lanka had a productive powerplay, thanks to Pathum Nissanka’s aggressive batting. Nissanka, in particular, took Shakib Al Hasan apart, hitting four boundaries in a single over.
Middle Overs: Bangladesh Fights Back
- Phase Score: 50/2 (RR: 5.55, 4s/6s: 3/1)
- Nissanka continued to anchor the innings until Mustafizur Rahman removed him with a clever slower delivery. Rishad Hossain’s double-wicket over, including the prized wicket of Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, turned the tide in Bangladesh’s favor.
Death Overs: Sri Lanka’s Collapse
- Phase Score: 21/4 (RR: 4.1, 4s/6s: 1/0)
- Sri Lanka’s innings faltered at the death, with only one boundary being scored. Rishad Hossain continued to impress, and Taskin Ahmed’s disciplined bowling ensured Sri Lanka could only muster 124 runs.
Bangladesh’s Chase
Powerplay: Top Order Woes for Bangladesh
- Phase Score: 34/3 (RR: 5.66, 4s/6s: 2/0)
- Bangladesh’s top order struggled, losing Soumya Sarkar and Tanzid Hasan early. Nuwan Thushara’s excellent swing bowling further compounded their troubles, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 34/3.
Middle Overs: Game-Changing Cameo by Towhid Hridoy
- Phase Score: 66/2 (RR: 7.33, 4s/6s: 1/5)
- Towhid Hridoy played a pivotal role, smashing Hasaranga for three consecutive sixes and propelling Bangladesh closer to the target. Despite losing Litton Das and facing a momentary setback, Hridoy’s cameo proved to be the difference.
Death Overs: Close But No Cigar for Sri Lanka
- Phase Score: 25/3 (RR: 6.25, 4s/6s: 0/1)
- Bangladesh nearly stumbled at the end, losing quick wickets, including a stunning two-wicket over from Thushara. However, Mahmudullah’s crucial six off a full toss from Shanaka eased the pressure, leading Bangladesh to a hard-fought victory.
Brief Scores
- Sri Lanka: 124/9 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 47; Mustafizur Rahman 3/17)
- Bangladesh: 125/8 in 19 overs (Towhid Hridoy 40, Litton Das 36; Nuwan Thushara 4/18)
What’s Next?
Sri Lanka will look to bounce back when they face Nepal after a four-day break. Their qualification hopes are hanging by a thread after consecutive defeats to South Africa and now Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will aim to continue their winning momentum against South Africa in their next match on Monday.