New Delhi: Bangladesh registered their second win in the World Cup 2023 by defeating Sri Lanka by four wickets in a thrilling encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Monday. Chasing a challenging target of 280 runs, Bangladesh reached the goal with 17 balls to spare, thanks to a brilliant 82-run knock by Shakib Al Hasan, who was also named the Player of the Match.
Sri Lanka, who were put in to bat first by Bangladesh, posted a competitive total of 279 for 10 in 49.3 overs, with Kusal Perera top-scoring with 74 runs off 66 balls. He was well supported by Dhananjaya de Silva, who made 59 runs off 72 balls. The Sri Lankan batsmen struggled against the Bangladesh spinners, who took seven wickets between them. Mehidy Hasan was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets for 57 runs in his 10 overs.
Bangladesh started their chase on a shaky note, losing two early wickets for 32 runs. However, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim steadied the innings with a 103-run partnership for the third wicket. Shakib played a superb innings, hitting nine fours and two sixes in his 65-ball knock. He also took two wickets with his left-arm spin, making him the first player to score 80-plus runs and take two or more wickets in a World Cup match.
After Shakib’s dismissal, Bangladesh suffered a mini-collapse, losing four wickets for 62 runs. However, Mahmudullah and Mehidy Hasan kept their nerves and guided their team to victory with an unbeaten 49-run stand for the seventh wicket. Mahmudullah remained not out on 36 runs off 28 balls, while Mehidy Hasan scored 23 runs off 16 balls.
With this win, Bangladesh moved up to the seventh spot in the points table, with four points from eight matches. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, was eliminated from the tournament, as they remained in the ninth position, with four points from eight matches. Both teams have one more match left to play in the group stage. Bangladesh will face Pakistan on November 9, while Sri Lanka will take on New Zealand on November 9.
