COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, July 05 (V7N) – The second One Day International (ODI) between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka is currently underway at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Bangladesh, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, were bowled out for 248 runs in 45.5 overs.
Despite a promising start, Bangladesh's innings saw several collapses. Opener Parvez Hossain Emon anchored the early part of the innings, scoring a commendable 67 runs off 69 balls for his maiden ODI fifty. He shared a 63-run partnership with Najmul Hossain Shanto (14) after the early dismissal of Tanzid Hasan. However, Shanto's departure triggered a period of instability. Towhid Hridoy also contributed with a patient 51 runs off 69 balls, but he too couldn't convert his fifty into a match-defining score. The middle and lower order struggled to build significant partnerships, leading to a slump from 204 for six to 218 for nine. A late cameo from Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who remained unbeaten on 33 off 21 balls, added crucial runs to the total.
For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando was the most impactful bowler, taking 4 wickets for 35 runs. Wanindu Hasaranga also bowled well, picking up 3 wickets for 60 runs, while Dushmantha Chameera and Charith Asalanka secured one wicket each.
In response, Sri Lanka are currently batting at 156 for 7 after 36 overs, still requiring 93 runs to win from 84 balls. They got off to a quick start but lost early wickets. Kusal Mendis was the aggressor, scoring a quickfire 56 off just 31 balls, including 9 fours and 1 six. However, his dismissal, along with those of Nishan Madushka (17), Pathum Nissanka (5), Charith Asalanka (6), and Kamindu Mendis (33), has put them in a precarious position.
Bangladesh's spinners have been instrumental in putting pressure on the Sri Lankan batting lineup. Tanvir Islam has been particularly impressive, claiming 4 wickets for just 39 runs from his 9 overs, including the crucial wickets of Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, and Dunith Wellalage. Shamim Hossain also picked up a wicket, conceding only 22 runs in his 9 overs, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz has taken one wicket for 27 runs in 8 overs. Tanzim Hasan Sakib also chipped in with a wicket.
With Sri Lanka's top order back in the pavilion and the required run rate climbing, Bangladesh are in a strong position to level the series. A victory here is crucial for Bangladesh, as they lost the first ODI by 77 runs, and another defeat would see them lose the series.
END/SD/RH/
Comment: