Tri-Series 2018, Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, 6th ODI- 5 Talking Points

The final league game of the tri-series 2018 involving Bangladesh and Sri Lanka was nothing short of drastic. The hosts had won three encounters in as many games they played, and all with a bonus point which shows how dominant they have been in the series. However, in the must-win game for the Islanders, the dismissal of Bangladesh’s batting lineup came as a boost for Sri Lanka’s qualification.

Sri Lanka skittled the host for a mere score of 82 runs in the sixth and the final league stage match happened at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday. The bowling duties were well led by Suranga Lakmal who did the early damage before Thisara Perera, Dushmantha Chameera and Lakshan Sandakan chipped in with two wickets apiece to bowl out Bangladesh. Sri Lanka made light work of the chase and chased it down in just 11.5 overs.

The win also secured their place in the all-important final. Here are the 5 Talking Points from today’s encounter:

1. Top 3 didn’t fire

Mashrafe Mortaza won the toss and decided to bat first, primarily considering their past records. Sooner, Bangladesh slipped to 16 for 3 inside first five overs and top three batsmen made their way back to the pavilion. Anamul Haque’s struggle in the series continued as he departed for a six-ball duck, chopping on a Lakmal delivery. A poor bit of calling resulted in the run out of the in-form Shakib Al Hasan, with Gunathilaka affecting a direct hit. Gunathilaka show continued as he took a brilliant catch to send Tamim Iqbal back to the hut.

2. Suranaga Lakmal’s spell

In the make or break encounter, Sri Lanka needed someone to step up and do the job. Fortunately for them, today it was the speedster Suranaga Lakmal who bowled a lethal spell along with Thisara Perera, Dushmantha Chameera and Lakshan Sandakan to bowl out Bangladesh for just 82 runs. He picked 3 wickets spending 21 runs in his quota of 7 overs. Lanka will be hoping for a similar performance in the final.

3. Bangladesh- A day to forget

Opting to bat, Bangladesh only managed to put 82 runs on the board asking too much from their fast bowlers. Mushfiqur Rahim turned out to be the top scorer for them, with 26 runs. Along with him, only Sabbir Rahman managed to score in double digits. When they came out to bowl all that the bowlers managed was a single wicket as the visitors chased the total quite comfortably.

4. Biggest win in terms of balls left for Sri Lanka

If we keep the last year and a half aside, every cricket pundit would have nodded and said that Sri Lanka is capable of delivering this kind of a performance. However, with their sorry tale that has been on display of late, no one would have ever thought they will be able to beat Bangladesh, on their home soil by the biggest margin ever in terms of balls to spare. The team’s body language showed how badly they wanted this win. They finished a 50-over per side game in just 35 overs, including Bangladesh’s 24 overs fight.

5. Gunathilaka’s intent

If Suranga Lakmal ruled in the bowling department, it was Gunathilaka who dictated terms on the field and while batting. He dismissed the man-in-form Tamim Iqbal with a scintillating catch to sent Shakib Al Hasan back to the hut via a superb runout, Gunathilaka was absolutely phenomenal on the day. After Sri Lankan bowlers dismissed Bangladesh for 82, he came out to bat and remained unbeaten. Scoring run-a-ball 35 runs laden with three fours and two sixes.