Twitter Reactions: Sri Lanka register their highest successful run chase in T20Is

Sri Lanka scripted a wonderful chase in the first T20 International at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium to mark a spectacular start to the series. While the Bangladeshi batsmen did well to put up a total of 193 on the board, their bowlers failed to defend it. The visitors now lead the series 1-0 with one match to go.

After electing to bat first, Soumya Sarkar was off to a splendid start. He was hitting boundaries at will as Bangladesh were 41/0 in the first three overs. While Zakir Hasan got out, Mushfiqur Rahim joined Sarkar in the middle. Both made the Sri Lankan bowlers toil hard during their stay at the crease.

Spinner Jeevan Mendis stepped up as he accounted for the wickets of both Sarkar as well as Afif Hossain in a space of three balls. However, skipper Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur combined for a scintillating partnership. They added 73 runs from 47 balls for the fourth wicket.

Mushfiqur stayed not out on 66 (44) as the hosts posted 193/5 in their quota of 20 overs. While Jeevan Mendis got a couple of wickets, Danushka Gunathilaka also managed to get a wicket. Isuru Udana got the important wicket of the skipper but was really expensive.

As for the visitors, they were off to a stellar start. Both openers put up a fifty-run stand for the first wicket. While Kusal Mendis rode his way to a spectacular 53 (27), Gunathilaka also made a quickfire 30 (15). While Mendis and Tharanga were dismissed in quick succession, the Sri Lankans had the run rate in control.

Dasun Shanaka was in a fiery mood as he unleashed his attacking vogue with two consecutive sixes off skipper Mahmudullah. Thisara Perera also got into a hitting spree as both rode the visitors to a comfortable victory in the end. The Sri Lankans registered their highest successful run chase with 3 overs to go.

Here are some of the Twitter reactions from the game:

Sri lanka ?? putting Bangladesh ?? back from where they belongs ..!! Bangalis are Back to earth at their MCG ?
“Minnows remains Minnows “ ??‍♂️#BANvSL ?

— Aqeel? (@iaqeelurrehman) February 15, 2018

If Athar Ali Khan was in the commentary box, he would still talk about how Bangladesh can win this if they can pick up quick six wickets. #BANvSL

— Sakun Sankalana ⚓️ (@Sakun_SD) February 15, 2018

I don’t know the last time we played like this, even with Mahela Sanga t20 success was due to bowling, this it so refreshing to see #BANvSL

— Half Tracker (@Half_tracker) February 15, 2018

A Bangladeshi Rocket to the Moon was cancelled due to unavoidable circumstances.#BANvSL #T20

— Malika Ratnayake (@MalikaNR) February 15, 2018

perera is hitting monster sixes..wonder why cant he do that in ODI cricket..#BANvSL

— ashmit roy (@ashmitroy) February 15, 2018

What a knock. Thisara Perera 39* in 18 balls. #ProudPererian ?

— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) February 15, 2018

In their last 12 T20I games….
Bangladesh won 1, lost 11
Sri Lanka won 3, lost 9#BanvSL

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) February 15, 2018

2 Six & 2 Fours In 11 Balls , Perera .

— Johns ? (@CricCrazyJohns) February 15, 2018

Legend Thissara is not in IPL this year.
Doob Maro.

— Athar ? (@cricdrugs) February 15, 2018

Mahmudullah is the most underrated player in Bangladesh team

— kingbodonti✌ (@emranakaemzy) February 15, 2018

This Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur partnership is beautiful ? #BANvSL

— • qıʞɐS • (@SoItsSakib) February 15, 2018

Sri Lanka had the chance to run Mushfiqur out before he even faced a ball.

He has now reached 46*

Costly miss!#BANvSL #Cricket

— CricBlog (@cric_blog) February 15, 2018

Mushfiqur (66*), Sarkar (51) and Mahmudullah (43) have helped @BCBtigers make 193/5, but two wickets from Jeevan Mendis have kept @OfficialSLC in the hunt.

Can Sri Lanka chase this down? #BANvSL LIVE ➡️ https://t.co/eOh4hFrT5y pic.twitter.com/IfaVKUV7NF

— ICC (@ICC) February 15, 2018

Gunathikala Stumped by @mushfiqur15
You freak, Rahim

— Rafael Nadal Bunny (@SportsBoyShawon) February 15, 2018

Stand and deliver what a six from Soumya Sarkar ?

— The Yorker Ball (@TheYorkerBall) February 15, 2018

Three fours in a row for Soumya Sarkar. He’s batting for fun. Bangladesh are on 40 runs after 3 overs. Racing away. #BANVSL

— Roushan Alam (@roushanalam) February 15, 2018

200 on the cards Srilanka never chased before ??‍♂️? #SLvBAN

— salamander (@salman_latheef) February 15, 2018

Bangladesh highest total in the T20 international cricket ?#SLvBAN

— Z E E D (@Dinisuruu) February 15, 2018

This Srilankan Power Hitters OMG!!!!!#SLvBAN if kjp comes in!

— Dulith Kasun (#DK) (@DulithK) February 15, 2018

now these people have to calm down… 12 overs remaining… #SLvBan

— Nightwing® (@NightWingzzz) February 15, 2018

That day England batsmen and today Lankan ones – Going above the reuqired rate but still going after every ball and losing wickets. Where is the common sense? #BANvSL

— Liberal Sanghi (@Pungebaaz) February 15, 2018

Kushal mendis has been playing like Chris Gayle's sole possessed him #BANvSL

— Naresh Mangeyi (@NMangeyi) February 15, 2018

Played Mendis. He has been smashing Bangladesh bowlers since that send off from Mashrafe. #BANvSL

— Sakun Sankalana ⚓️ (@Sakun_SD) February 15, 2018

We are underway in Dhaka #BANvSL #t20i @StarSportsIndia pic.twitter.com/wdxpnLCodg

— Gautam Bhimani (@gbhimani) February 15, 2018

Commentary box right now. #BANvSL pic.twitter.com/mbSJhmxYpQ

— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) February 15, 2018

Bangladesh scored a mammoth total of 193.

16 wides have been bowled by SL bowlers.#BANvSL #SLvBAN

— A Cricket Fan (@VishuddikaSri) February 15, 2018

Danushka Gunathilaka opened the bowling 1/16 & opened the batting 30 (15b, 6*4) & Sri Lanka's best fielder at present. Good allround cricketer. Early days but can be the next Dilshan. #SriLanka #LKA

— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) February 15, 2018

193 to defend ? bruv if u lose it today I'd disown you son @BCBtigers #BANvSL

— kingbodonti✌ (@emranakaemzy) February 15, 2018

The minnows Sri Lanka taking on Bangladesh right now. Will the minnows be able to pull off an upset? Thoughts? #BanvSL

— Abhishek (@Sajjanlaunda) February 15, 2018