Bangladesh Stare at Elimination after Defeat to Sri Lanka

In a disheartening turn of events, Bangladesh have suffered yet another defeat against Sri Lanka in the ongoing Asia Cup. This setback came on the heels of their loss to the same opponent in the group stage, this time in the Super Four stage of the competition.

Opting to bowl first in the match held in Colombo, Bangladesh managed to contain Sri Lanka to a total of 257 runs.

However, the story took a turn for the worse as Bangladesh's top order once again faltered in their pursuit. In the middle, Mushfiqur Rahim and Towhid Hridoy forged a commendable partnership, though ultimately it fell short of carrying them to victory.

Eventually, Bangladesh found themselves 21 runs adrift.

Mohammad Naim, who managed to score 21 off 46 deliveries, failed to substantiate his place in the squad. Litton Das, too, failed to make an impression, while in the latter stages of the innings, Shamim Hossain was given an opportunity that ultimately went to waste.

After losing four wickets for 83 runs, Bangladesh was in dire need of a substantial partnership to keep their fight alive. At that juncture, Mushfiqur and Towhid mustered a resilient 72-run stand.

However, after Mushfiqur's dismissal, Bangladesh lost their way, losing wickets at regular intervals. Towhid departed after a valiant 82 out of 97 deliveries.

For Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dasun Shanaka, and Matheesha Pathirana each clinched three crucial wickets.

Earlier, Sadeera Samarawickrama fell short of what could have been his maiden century in ODIs. Nonetheless, his composed performance steered Sri Lanka to a formidable total of 257 runs.

Bangladesh claimed an early breakthrough by dismissing Dimuth Karunaratne for a mere 17 in the sixth over.

The partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, however, saw the Sri Lankan side stabilise, contributing 74 runs to the scoreboard.

Regrettably, Bangladesh's fielding exhibited signs of sloppiness throughout the match. A crucial opportunity slipped through Mushfiqur Rahim's grasp behind the wicket, and a dropped catch by Shamim Hossain in the deep resulted in a costly six.

Shoriful Islam's strategic use of short balls saw the back of Nissanka. Subsequently, Sri Lanka encountered a string of setbacks. Nissanka departed after a gritty 40, while Kusal's contribution culminated at 50.

Sadeera, however, remained resolute at one end, ensuring the scoreboard continued to tick.

Bangladesh's captain, Shakib Al Hasan, demonstrated astute tactical acumen in his selection of bowlers.

Nasum Ahmed, the left-arm spinner included in the XI in lieu of Afif Hossain, delivered a disciplined spell, conceding a mere 31 runs in his quota of 10 overs, albeit without managing to claim a wicket.

Bangladesh's next challenge awaits them against India on September 15th, in the same venue._UNB