Dhaka: Opener Tamim Iqbal hit a second straight half-century and Shakib Al Hasan came up with a strong all-round performance as Bangladesh recorded their biggest ever victory, securing a 163-run win against Sri Lanka in the tri-nation series on Friday.
Iqbal followed up his unbeaten 84 against Zimbabwe with an identical 84 against the Sri Lankans to lay a solid platform for the innings. His knock was complemented by two 60-plus knocks from Shakib Al Hasan (67) and Mushfiqur Rahim (62), lifting Bangladesh to 320-6, their highest against Sri Lanka.
Al Hasan then claimed 3-47 to hasten Sri Lanka’s defeat as they were bowled out for 157 in 32.3 overs. Captain Mashrafe Mortaza (2-30) and fast bowler Rubel Hossain (2-20) aided him in wrapping up the innings effortlessly.
Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal said: “We are really disappointed with our performance. In ODI cricket, we’re going through a bad patch. Bangladesh played outstanding cricket, credit to them. It is tough to come out of this but, if we win one, we can get things in place.”
Opener Anamul Haque scored 35 and Mahmudullah made 24. Sabbir Raman also smashed 24 not out towards the end to propel the side past 300.
Iqbal and Anamul Haque combined for a 71-run opening stand after Mortaza elected to bat first on a pitch that offered runs.
Paceman Thisara Perera broke through with the wicket of Haque but Iqbal, aided by Al Hasan didn’t give Sri Lanka any respite. They shared a 99-run stand to keep the side on course for a big total.
Scores
Bangladesh 320/7
Iqbal 84, Al Hasan 67, Rahim 62; N Perera 3-60
Sri Lanka 157
N Perera 29, Chandimal 28; Al Hasan 3-47
