Twitter Reactions: Fernando, Mathews star in Sri Lanka’s resounding series triumph over Bangladesh

After a clinical show in the first ODI against Tamim Iqbal’s Bangladesh, Sri Lanka turned up with another decent performance in the second match at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The Islanders comfortably won the encounter by seven wickets. Most importantly, the hosts took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series with one game left at the same venue on Wednesday, July 31.

Rahim comes to Bangladesh’s rescue  

On a slow turner, both teams opted for an extra spinner and it wasn’t surprising. The Tigers won the toss, but could only manage a reasonable score of 238/8 in 50 overs. The top-order faltered again as all of Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, and Mohammad Mithun perished after getting into double figures. Akila Dananjaya castled Mahmudullah and reduced the visiting team to 68/4 in 19 overs.

Sabbir Rahman perished to a run-out and half the Bangladesh team was back into the hut. Isuru Udana bounced out Mosaddek Hossain to leave the Tigers innings in the shambles. However, Mushfiqur Rahim (98*) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (43) put their heads down for an 84-run stand. Though Mushfiqur remained stranded on 98, he would’ve been happy to bail his team out of the precarious position.

Another comfortable win for Lanka

Avishka Fernando (82) took on the opposition bowling to start Lanka’s run-chase. His skipper Dimuth Karunaratne (15) took his time initially. Bangladesh attacked with their tweakers to start with, but couldn’t make an early breakthrough. Miraz cleaned up Karunaratne and then Fernando got to a fifty off 43 balls. Kusal Perera (30) looked decent in the middle and fell prey to Mustafizur Rahman.

Mustafizur removed the dangerous Fernando to bring the Tigers back into the match. Kusal Mendis (41) and Angelo Mathews (52) didn’t play shots out of anger and staved off the likes of Taijul Islam, who was getting sharp turn. The duo was circumspect and didn’t panic despite playing out dot balls.

Sabbir’s first over produced seven runs and a boundary by Mendis off a long-hop broke the shackles. Thereafter, there was no stopping them. Barring Mustafizur, Taijul, and Mehidy, the rest of the bowlers couldn’t make much of an impact and Lanka romped over the line with 32 deliveries to spare.

Here is how Twitter lauded Sri Lanka on the series victory

And thats a win!! First ODI series victory for Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka since 2016.. well done boys.. very well done.. #SLvBAN

— Ahamed Nishadh (@ahamednishadh) July 28, 2019

Sri Lanka wins an ODI bilateral series after 44 months!

This is also the 3rd bilateral series win in a row under Dimuth’s captaincy.

Delighted with the way youngsters performed so far. #SLvBAN

— Sakun Sankalana (@Sakun_SD) July 28, 2019

Sri Lanka win by seven wickets and seal the series with a game to spare!

Avishka Fernando was in fine form today, hitting a 75-ball 82 ???? #SLvBAN pic.twitter.com/QfywCcz6fZ

— ICC (@ICC) July 28, 2019

Avishka Fernando’s strokes looks like he batted on a different surface.. #SLvBAN #lka

— Chandima Vithana (@CVithana) July 28, 2019

This is @OfficialSLC ‘s first bilateral series win at home AFTER 44 months…Last win came against @windiescricket in 2015.#SLvBAN

— Krishan Nandakumar (@iamKrishanN) July 28, 2019

50 for Mathews!! Series victory after 3 years and 9 months!! #SLvBAN

— Ieshaka Karunarathne (@IeshakaK) July 28, 2019

This is Sri Lanka’s 1st bilateral ODI series victory since beating W Indies 3-0 (3) at home in Nov 2015 – 3 years, 8 months ago!
During this period they had only beaten Ireland 2-0 (2) in June 2016 and Scotland 1-0 (1-0) in May 2019 – both away from home!#SLvBan SLvsBan#BanvSL

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) July 28, 2019

Sri Lanka’s first home ODI series victory since 2015!

2015 vs WI – Won
2016 vs AUS – Lost
2017 vs BAN – Drawn
2017 vs ZIM – Lost
2017 vs IND – Lost
2018 vs SA – Lost
2018 vs ENG – Lost
2019 vs BAN – WON*#SLvBAN

— Rukhshan Hameem (@rukhshan) July 28, 2019

Sri Lanka clinch the series with a match left to be played. Avishka Impressive. Mathews and Mendis seem to be regaining their form. #SLvBAN

— M (@feat_SOUL) July 28, 2019

Ah after a long time.#SriLanka batting order looks stabalised and satisfactory.
However would love to see kusal and avishka open, if not kusal and karunaratne. Welcome back srilanka.
Hopefully.#SLvBAN

— Utkarsh???????? (@jstutkarsh) July 28, 2019

Got to appreciate the endless energy reserves of Sri Lankan fans – they’re dancing, singing and playing music all day! At times, like after the WC game v NZ, they’ll have their fun even if the team gets battered. #SLvBAN

— Rishad D’souza (@RD_Wisden) July 28, 2019

Good batting performance from the team after a while #SLvBAN

— Udi_Boy (@UdithaAnu) July 28, 2019

Looking at today, it looks like this Sri Lankan team is uniting and performing. This thing is very good for Sri Lankan cricket. #SLvBAN #2ndODI

— Tanuj Singh (@TanujSi47701251) July 28, 2019

Is Mahmudullah suffering from some injury??? He didn’t bowl the entire WC and not bowling here when the track is assisting spinners… Does anyone know the reason???#SLvBAN

— Siddharth Tandon (@behadd_khaali) July 28, 2019

The faces of the #BAN players show that they seem to have already given up.. They are not even trying.. #SLvBAN

— Ahamed Nishadh (@ahamednishadh) July 28, 2019