Nidahas Trophy 2018, Match 6: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh - Who Said What

Bangladesh won the virtual semi-final of the Nidahas Trophy beating Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo to earn a place in the final against India. It was an extremely close game and both the teams were in with a chance. While the hosts needed wickets it was for Bangladesh to stay calm and still get the big runs.

The Tigers got a big boost ahead of the game as their skipper Shakib Al Hasan was back. Batting first the Lankans posted 159/7 in 20 overs. Kusal Perera scored 61 at No.3 and towards the end, it was captain Thisara Perera’s 58 that took them very close to a competitive score.

Eventually, it didn’t prove to be a winning total as the visitors chased the target down. It was Tamim Iqbal’s half century that got them off to a great start. The man in form Mushfiqur Rahim’s 28 helped them on their way but it was Mahmadullah’s unbeaten 18-ball 43 that made the difference in the end. He stood there amidst all the heated moments in the last over and still managed to get the runs.

Isuru Udana bowled two short balls as the first two and the Bangladeshis were demanding a no-ball and the extra player who came on the ground with drinks was involved in an argument with the Sri Lankan players. It got fired up so much that Shakib wanted his boys to walk off the field. Thus attempting to forfeit the match, but things calmed down sooner and it was back to business.

Mahmadullah hit a boundary and a six in the last over along with a couple to take the team home with a ball and two wickets in hand.

Bangladeshi captain Shakib Al Hasan said:

“You can’t expect more than that in a T20 game. There was everything. Emotions, drama, everything. We are lucky to be on the winning side. Kusal Perera and Thisara Perera batted very well, got themselves into a winning position. I had only one hit before I came into the game, so I knew I wasn’t 100%. It was important to rotate the strike and give it to Mahmudullah. This is one of our best innings in the last five overs. We always had a healthy competition on the ground (with Sri Lanka); outside, we are friends. Emotions take over sometimes. I need to be careful as the captain and the leader of the team. India are a very good side but we have the momentum, so hopefully we can continue the performance. Hopefully the Sri Lankan crowd can come and support us (laughs innocently).”

Thisara Perera said:

“Very tough game. Really disappointed. I have to say something about our crowd — thanks for everything. I’m sorry about not making it to the final. I sometimes take some time for my batting, I can do something only after that (what went wrong). 160 is a reasonable target. Last few series, we did well. Really good outcome from our juniors.”

Mahmudullah was named the Man of the Match and he said:

“One of my best innings. when Shakib came into the team, that was a big boost. Players were eager to do well today. My plan was to strike the ball as hard as I can. To see the ball properly and try to hit accordingly. I was quite nervous (in the last few overs). When I and Shakib were there, I was at ease but Shakib’s wicket put pressure on me. Other guys came up to me and believed that we’ll do it. The confusion was that the ball (Mustafizur’s wicket ball) would be the first bumper of the over but it’s in the past now, so let’s forget it.”

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