Nidahas Trophy, Match 6, Sri Lanka v Bangladesh Review: Mahumudullah Heroics Seal the Deal for Visitors

It was a sensational knock from Mahmudullah which helped Bangladesh qualify for the final of the Nidahas Trophy after beating Sri Lanka by 2 wickets. Tamim Iqbal was the anchor in chief for the Tigers making yet another half-century. However, it was a sensational 18 balls 43 from Mahmudullah which helped Bangladesh seal the deal. Earlier in the day, it was a great partnership between Kusal Perera and Thisara Perera which helped Sri Lanka post 158 on the board.

The Bangladesh bowlers started on a sensational note and reduced the hosts to 41/5 in no time. After a 15 runs opening partnership between Danushka Gunathilaka and Kusal Mendis, it was comeback man Shakib-Al –Hasan who provided the maiden breakthrough in the form of Gunathilaka’s wicket. Kusal Mendis also followed him soon as a good off-cutter from Mustafizur brought an end to his innings.

Former skipper Upul Tharanga was run out with the score reading 31/3. Mustafizur provided the 5^th breakthrough when Dasun Sanaka edged a short of length delivery outside the off stump straight to Mushfiqur Rahim behind the stumps. However, from there on, it was Kusal Perera and Thisara Perera who stitched together a brilliant partnership which enabled Sri Lanka reach a competitive score of 159 in their allotted 20 overs.

Kusal Perera continued his sensational run in the series smashing his way to yet another hal-century, Thisara Perera also chipped in a quickfire half-century. He was a bit slow to start with but gained momentum as the innings progressed. He was eventually dismissed on 57 of 38 deliveries which contained 3 fours and 3 hits over the fence.

Bangladesh began well with Tamim Iqbal smashing a couple of boundaries in the very first over. However his partner Liton Das was dismissed without bothering the scorers. Sabbir Rahman began with 3 exquisite boundaries but was dismissed after making 13 of 8 deliveries. Mushfiqur Rahim and Tamim shared a brilliant partnership of 64 runs.

They were looking in control of proceedings but two quick wickets of Tamim and Mushfiqur put Bangladesh on the backfoot. It was Mahmudullah who helped Bangladesh seal a sensational victory in the end. There was a huge confusion in the middle during the last over of the match. Captain Shakib Al Hasan was seen calling the players back after the umpire didn’t rule a no-ball despite the leg-umpire calling so.

However, the match started in a moment’s time and it was Mahmudullahh who struck the wiinning runs for the visitors. With 6 required of the last 2 deliveries he smashed a huge six of Isuru Udana which sealed the deal for Bangladesh. The celebrations knew no bounds. It is indeed a special victory for the Tigers. They will now face India in the final of the Nidahas Trophy on Sunday.

Brief Scores

Sri Lanka 159/7 in 20 overs (Kusal Perera 61, Thisara Perera 57, Mustafizur Rahman 2/39, Mehidy Hasan 1/16))

Bangladesh 160/8 in 19.5 overs (Tamim Iqbal 50, Mahmudullah 43*, Akila Dananjaya 2/37)

Bangladesh won by 2 wickets (with a delivery to spare)