Twitter Reactions: Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka to level the series 1-1

In the second T20I between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at Colombo, the visitors inflicted a big defeat on the hosts to draw the T20 series 1-1. Veteran left-arm-orthodox Shakib Al Hasan bowled outstandingly well picking up 3 important wickets (including in-form Lankan openers) for just 24 runs. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 131 in 18 overs as the Bangla tigers accomplished a big 45-run victory in this match.

Apart from Kapugedera 50 (35b, 4sx5, 6sx1), no Lankan batsman showed guts to play out in the middle and rotate the strike. For Bangladesh, speedster Mustafizur Rahman’s 4 for 21 in the middle overs also did the major damage as he broke the Lankan middle order picking up three crucial wickets. Shakib and Rahman scalped 7 Lankan wickets together as the hosts looked completely incapacitated in their own backyard at Colombo.

Earlier, Bangladesh opted to bat first on winning the toss. The decision proved right as the visitors started off in a breezy style hitting 50 runs in just 4.5 overs. Both the openers contributed well with the bat as Imrul Kayes 36 (25b, 4sx4, 6sx1) and Soumya Sarkar 34 (17b, 4sx4, 6sx2) added a blazing 71-run stand for the first wicket before the Lankan part-timer Gunaratne sent Sarkar back to pavilion with a stunning returning catch in 6.3 overs.

Bangladesh tried to recuperate from this loss but Sabbir Rahman’s call for a single proved ominous as Kayes got dismissed while trying to run towards the wicket keeper’s end. Tharanga made no mistake collecting the ball and throwing to Perera as the latter took the bails off. Kayes fell short of the crease by quite a few centimetres.

Then Shakib Al Hasan 38 (31b, 4sx4) and S Rahman (19) built the innings with singles and doubles. They added 46-run for the third wicket before Lankan pacer Sanjaya bowled S Rahman out. Soon, Shakib Al Hasan also got bowled out off Kulasekara’s delivery. Bangladesh’s scorecard came down to 139 for 4 at 16th over.

They managed to score 37 more runs in the next four overs despite Malinga’s magnificent bowling at the 19th over as the Lankan speedster claimed his maiden hattrick in T20I format. Rahim (15) and Mortaza (0) were bowled out while Mehedi Hasan (0) was adjudged LBW in the three consecutive deliveries off Malinga in the 19th over. Bangladesh put 176 runs on the board after 20 overs.

Here is how Twitter reacted to Bangladesh’s victory:

Hat-tricks in T20Is:

Lee
Oram
Southee
Perera
Malinga#SLvBAN

— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) April 6, 2017

Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka ends without a winner. Test, ODI & T20I series drawn as 1-1 #SLvBAN #Cricket #SriLanka

— Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) April 6, 2017

Well bowled Mali aiya.. proud of you and congratulations ? #SLvBAN #Hattrick

— dinesh chandimal (@chandi_17) April 6, 2017

Bangladesh's tour of Sri Lanka –

Tests: 1-1
ODIs: 1-1
T20Is: 1-1#SLvBAN https://t.co/oKOR0UXcNT pic.twitter.com/XAWNVwr72n

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 6, 2017

Lasith Malinga becomes the second bowler after Wasim Akram to have 4 hat-tricks in Int cricket. #SLvBAN #Video pic.twitter.com/VaWr9bangq

— Imran Siddique (@SportsJournoo) April 6, 2017

Bangladesh end their most successful tour of SL – by a very long way, with a win & will be the happier side after 3 series draws #SLvBAN

— Zafran Zahir (@zafran_z) April 6, 2017

"Taking Hatricks is my Hobby" Lasith Champion Malinga #SLvBAN

— Anvesh Roy (@AnveshPerada) April 6, 2017

Test series: 1-1

ODI series: 1-1

T20I series: 1-1

BANGLADESH win the second T20I by 45 runs!!#SLvBAN

— Muneeb Ahmad Khan (@muneebakhmad) April 6, 2017

What a series it's been,wow! #Bangladesh proving that they can compete in all formats against a top team #SLvBan https://t.co/plG9992yLg

— A Patriot (@Apassionateguy) April 6, 2017

Thank You CAPTAIN BANGLADESH. You're a true Champion. You'll be always be in our heart. #MashrafeMortaza #SLvBAN

— Jishan Estieak (@JishanEstieak) April 6, 2017

ODI 1: BAN won by 90 runs.
ODI 2: SL won by 70 runs.
T20I 1: SL won by 1.08 rpo
T20I 2: BAN won by 2.25 rpo

∴ BAN > SL ?#SLvBAN

— maac pro (@maacpiash) April 6, 2017

Test series – Drawn, ODI Series – Drawn & T20I Series – Drawn. That was an exciting tournament. #SLvBAN

— Sainath V (@saicricket17) April 6, 2017

This victory is for Mashrafi. The great captain of Bangladesh. The legendary criketer. Hero of Bangladesh criket. #SLvBAN

— M_HOQUE (@mo__nir) April 6, 2017

We won T20 world cup 3 years back and our current t20 ranking is 8 #SLvBAN

— Nαlin K. (@CrazyNalin) April 6, 2017

For the Mash aftermath I'd give Mahmudullah a shot at captaincy. He's been in the team for a long time and was quite good in the BPL #SLvBAN

— Anik (@Anik96ii) April 6, 2017

We got to see how Bangladesh has improved at the same time we saw why Indians hate him. Some players just don't deserve respect #SLvBAN

— Harshana Edirisinghe (@husseyHH) April 6, 2017

Bangladesh cricket team was honored as a mighty man of valor. Mash deserved to win. Best of luck Captain ??????#SLvBAN pic.twitter.com/1I4keaMTVk

— Tuhin Parvez (@TuhinParvez75) April 6, 2017

I thought it was a very good learning curve for SL! Hope they'll come stronger in the next series with this experieces?Good luck SL #SLvBAN

— H I R O S H A N A (@Hiroshana_) April 6, 2017

Bangladesh make it 1-1 in all formats; Tests, ODI & T20 on this SL tour. The islanders have lost their sheen even on their own turf #SLvBAN

— Dhawal Shah (@DhawalShah10) April 6, 2017

All Sri Lankan fans situation now after drawing 1-1 in all the formats against Bangladesh. #SLvBAN pic.twitter.com/irnUaKhhjA

— Inthiqab Omer (@Inthiqab93) April 6, 2017

Malinga's hat-trick is as useless as men's nipples! ??✌ Only The Fizz is real ✌?? #ThankYouCaptainFantasticMashrafee#SLvBAN

— Rumon (@ShahidRumon) April 6, 2017

What a terrific win by the Tigers! The players did everything to ensure their captain ends his career on a winning note. Well done! #SLvBAN

— Ahad Farhan (@farhan_nihilist) April 6, 2017

What a tour it was! ? All 3 series were drawn. Most importantly for me, Shakib showed his class in every series ?? #SuperShakib #SLvBAN

— Saimon (@SaimonK13) April 6, 2017

Nobody can replace you boss ?? You'll always rule in our heart ❤️ #Mash @BCBtigers #SLvBAN pic.twitter.com/Doy4vQnUj2

— RCBIAN ??❤️ (@Mun_zeh18) April 6, 2017

So? Bangla tigers have the last laugh?! ? What an effort before mighty Lankan lions! ? #SLvBAN

— Ajnabhii Al Srilanki (@AjnabhiiTweets) April 6, 2017

This must be the best tour of Bangladesh. Playing so good against full strength Srilanka in their backyard, got to be satisfactory. #SLvBAN

— Shantanu Smart (@smartshantanu) April 6, 2017

Watched a T20 match after three years & it was only for Mashrafe. The Tigers have gifted Mash a fitting farewell. #SLvBan

— Faisal Caesar (@faisalyorker) April 6, 2017