- Charith Asalanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama shine with fifties.
- Sri Lanka recovers from 43-3 with Asalanka-Samarawickrama partnership.
- Captain Shakib Al Hasan takes 2 wickets for Bangladesh.
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In the opening match of the Asia Cup 2023, Sri Lanka emerged victorious by securing a five-wicket win against Bangladesh at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.
Contributions from Charith Asalanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama, both scoring half-centuries, propelled the Sri Lankan team to victory.
While pursuing the target of 165 runs, Sri Lanka initially found themselves at 43-3. However, a partnership between Asalanka and Samarawickrama of 78 runs in 119 balls ensured Sri Lanka’s steady progression towards victory. Samarawickrama achieved 54 runs off 77 balls, including six boundaries. Asalanka remained unbeaten at 62 runs from 92 balls, featuring five fours and a maximum.
Bangladesh’s Captain Shakib Al Hasan stood out in the bowling department, recording figures of 2-29 in 10 overs.
Having won the toss and chosen to bat first in the second match of the Asia Cup 2023, Bangladesh established a target of 165 runs. Their batting effort culminated in a total of 164 runs in 42.4 overs, with Najmul Hossain Shanto leading the scoring charts with 89 runs off 122 balls. The Bangladesh team encountered consistent wicket losses, with only four batsmen managing to reach double-digit scores.
Matheesha Pathirana showcased exceptional bowling performance, claiming 4-32 in 7.4 overs and emerging as the standout bowler.
Sri Lanka’s squad has been impacted by injuries, as key players like all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, pacers Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Madushanka, and Lahiru Kumara were absent from the Asian event.
On the other hand, Bangladesh faced a significant setback with the exclusion of wicketkeeper-batter Liton Das from the tournament.
Under the leadership of the experienced Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh is guided by veterans such as Mushfiqur Rahim, Mustafizur Rahman, and Mehedi Hassan.
Dasun Shanaka leads the Sri Lankan team, featuring experienced players like Kusal Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dhanajaya de Silva.
Lineups:
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana
Bangladesh: Mohammad Naim, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan(c), Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman
