Bangladesh contain Sri Lanka to 165

Sri Lanka’s recent heroics with the bat were missing in the second T-20 International against Bangladesh yesterday as they were restricted to 165 for five after being put into bat first at Sylhet.

Sri Lanka had managed back-to-back totals above 200 in their previous two T-20 Internationals but a good bowling effort by Bangladesh bowlers kept the run rate on the check.

Avishka Fernando’s torrid time with the bat in T-20s continued as the opening batter played down a maiden and then was dismissed in the second over for a duck.

A 66 run stand off 42 balls followed for the second wicket between the two Mendis – Kusal and Kamindu setting the team a platform.

Kusal was caught behind off the part-time bowler Soumya Sarkar while Kamindu was run out.

Sadeera Samarawickrama fell cheaply for seven when he offered a return catch having failed to detect a slower delivery from Mustafizur Rahman.

Charith Asalanka with three sixes threatened to take on Bangladesh bowlers but his innings was cut short when on 28.

A collapse looked on the cards for Sri Lanka but Angelo Mathews (30) and  Dasun Shanaka (27) were involved in an unbroken 53 run stand in 37 balls to ensure the bowlers got something to defend.

It was a below par score as both Mathews and Shanaka weren’t able to connect the big shots,

Brief Scores:

Sri Lanka 165

– 5 (20)

(Kusal Mendis 36, Kamindu Mendis 37, Charith Asalanka 28, Angelo Mathews 30*, Soumya Sarkar 1-5)