Asalanka-Nissanka Heroics Guide Lankans To Level With Tigers

After a monumental 185-run partnership between Charith Asalanka and Pathum Nissanka in the fourth wicket while chasing a target of 287, Bangladesh found themselves facing an uphill battle in the second ODI against Sri Lanka on Friday.

Sri Lanka suffered an early setback when Avishka Fernando fell victim to a first-ball duck, courtesy of a solid catch at slip by Soumya Sarkar off the bowling of left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam.

Losing two more wickets quickly, Sri Lanka seemed to be tilting in Bangladesh's favor. However, Asalanka and Nissanka had different plans. They launched a counterattack after Kusal Mendis was caught behind by Mushfiqur Rahim off Taskin Ahmed's delivery, steering Sri Lanka to 228 runs with over 12 overs remaining.

Taskin Ahmed and Mushfiqur Rahim combined once again to dismiss Asalanka for 91, just shy of his century, dealing a crucial blow to Sri Lanka's hopes. But Nissanka was firm at the other end of the wicket. He ended up 114 for 113. Wanindu Hasaranga's contribution of 25 runs sealed the deal for Sri Lanka.

Ultimately, Sri Lanka secured victory by three wickets with 17 balls to spare, leveling the series. The third match, scheduled for March 18 at the same venue, now serves as a virtual final.

In the first innings, Towhid Hridoy and Soumya Sarkar steered Bangladesh to a competitive total of 286 for 7. Despite a shaky start with Litton Das enduring a duck, Soumya and Najmul Hossain Shanto steadied the ship before Towhid's unbeaten 96 propelled Bangladesh's late surge, adding 56 runs in the final five overs.

While Bangladesh may have little consolation from this match, Sri Lanka gained significantly, notably from the record-breaking partnership between Asalanka and Nissanka. Their 185-run stand is the highest-ever fourth-wicket partnership by Sri Lanka in ODIs against any opponent, providing a significant confidence boost ahead of the decisive third match._UNB