NEP vs SL: Watch - Maheesh Theekshana steals the limelight with gravity-defying catch during SL vs BAN match

Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana stole the show with his exceptional fielding efforts during the Islanders’ two-wicket loss to Bangladesh in their group match in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas on Saturday, June 8.

In their thrilling 2024 T20 World Cup opener in Texas, the Bangladesh cricket team showcased their resilience as they successfully chased down a target of 125 with an over and two wickets to spare against Sri Lanka.

However, the victory didn't come without any tense moments, as the Tigers faced a real threat of collapsing in the final stages of the match, courtesy of a flurry of wickets towards the end, triggered by a spectacular catch in the deep by Theekshana.

Maheesh Theekshana shines bright despite Sri Lanka's loss to Bangladesh in T20 World Cup 2024 encounter

The turning point came in the 17th over when Matheesha Pathirana decided to deliver a short-pitched delivery to Bangladesh ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. Shakib, the former Bangladesh skipper, attempted a cut shot but failed to connect properly, sending the ball soaring towards the third man, where Theekshana was stationed.

Despite being caught off-guard and initially positioned a yard away from the ball's trajectory, the Sri Lankan off-spinner showcased remarkable agility and sheer brilliance as the 23-year-old leaped forward, managing to grasp the ball with both hands just inches above the ground.

Even as he made contact with the turf, Theekshana ensured the ball remained secure in his grasp and completed a remarkable catch to give a crucial breakthrough to the Sri Lanka cricket team. Theekshana's exceptional effort stunned both the crowd and cricket experts.

However, Theekshana's mind-blowing fielding shifted momentum briefly in Sri Lanka's favor, and the damage was already done and the Islanders lost the game, but his athleticism and determination to take the sensational catch received a lot of applause from the cricket fraternity.

Watch Maheesh Theekshana’s blinder:

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SL vs BAN Match Highlights

Speaking about the SL vs BAN match, the Islander posted a modest 124/9 on the board after being asked to bat first by the Bangladesh team. Pathum Nissanka was the top-scorer for the Sri Lanka team, with an impressive knock of 47 runs off 28 balls laced with seven fours and a single maximum in Texas.

For Bangladesh, Mustafizur Rahman and Rishad Hossain were the standout bowlers with a three-wicket haul each, while Taski Ahmed also recorded impressive figures of 2/25 in his four overs against Sri Lanka at the Grand Prairie Stadium. Chasing the target, the Tigers had a really poor start.

However, Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Liton Das’ 36 runs and Towhid Hridoy's quick 40 runs off 20 balls were enough for them to chase down the target with six balls to spare against Sri Lanka. Nuwan Thushara was on fire with the ball for Sri Lanka, finishing with stunning figures of 4/18, while Wanindu Hasaranga snared two wickets against Bangladesh.