BAN vs SL: Dasun Shanaka Lauds Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana After Victory Over Bangladesh In Asia Cup 2023

Sri Lanka National Cricket Team captain Dasun Shanaka showered rich praise on his bowlers and batters following a victory over the Shakib Al Hasan-led Bangladesh National Cricket Team in their Asia Cup 2023 opener.

The second match of the Asia Cup 2023 saw the battle between Group B teams – Sri Lanka and Bangladesh – at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, August 31.

Sri Lanka won the match by 5 wickets with 66 balls remaining while chasing a small target of 165 runs, thanks to Sadeera Samarawickrama (54) and Charith Asalanka’s (62*) solid batting. In the bowling side of things, Matheesha Pathirana picked up an outstanding 4-wicket haul for Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana bagged two wickets while Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, and Dhananjaya de Silva got one wicket each.

Speaking during the post-match presentation ceremony, Dasun Shanaka lauded Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, and Dhananjaya de Silva for their bowling and Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka for their batting.

“The way bowlers executed, credit to them. Especially Theekshana up front, Dhananjaya, and Pathirana who’s bowling so well. Tricky surface. The way Sadeera batted, today was his day. Asalanka has been outstanding over last 2 years. Good signs for Sri Lankan cricket,” Dasun Shanaka said.

I have always backed my strength – Dasun Shanaka’s teammate Sadeera Samarawickrama

Speaking after the match, Sadeera Samarawickrama said that he remained positive after Sri Lanka lost early wickets and he planned to build a partnership and guide his side towards a victory. He said:

“It was not easy at that time, two wickets down early, my plan was to be positive and at the same time build a partnership. It’s not easy to bat on this wicket, spinning and a bit slow and a bit in it for the fast bowlers. I have always backed my strength, normally cover drive and pull shot and I try to stay positive.”

With the victory against Bangladesh, the Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka registered their 11th consecutive win in ODIs. This is their longest streak in ODIs.

Most consecutive ODI wins for Sri Lanka:

11 – (Jun 2023 – ongoing)*

10 – (Feb 2004 – Jul 2004)

10 – (Dec 2013 – May 2014)