Three Key Factors in Bangladesh's Win Against Sri Lanka

In the 15th match of the ongoing ninth edition of the T20 World Cup, the Bangladesh cricket team started their mission by defeating former world champions Sri Lanka. This marks the first time the Tigers have beaten Sri Lanka in a T20 World Cup match.

On Saturday, at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, USA, Bangladesh clinched a thrilling 2-wicket victory over Sri Lanka.

After winning the toss, Bangladesh's captain Najmul Hossain Shanto opted to bowl first on a slow wicket at Grand Prairie Stadium.

Sri Lanka, batting first, were in a strong position at 100 for 3 wickets. However, they experienced a dramatic collapse, losing 6 wickets for just 24 runs in the last 35 balls, ending their innings at 124 for 9. Opener Pathum Nissanka top-scored with 47 runs off 28 balls.

Bangladesh's Mustafizur Rahman took 3 wickets for 17 runs in his 4 overs. Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain claimed 3 wickets for 22 runs in 4 overs, while Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib contributed with 2 and 1 wickets respectively.

Chasing a modest target of 125 in 120 balls, Bangladesh lost three wickets within the powerplay. Openers Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, and Najmul Hossain Shanto were dismissed for just 28 runs, putting Bangladesh in a precarious position.

In this difficult situation, Litton Kumar Das and Towhid Hridoy formed a crucial partnership, adding 63 runs off 38 balls for the fourth wicket. At 91 for 3 in 11.3 overs, Bangladesh seemed on track but then lost 5 wickets for just 21 runs, facing significant pressure.

Former captain Mahmudullah Riyad remained steady at the crease, providing a glimmer of hope for Bangladesh. With 11 runs needed off the last 2 overs and only 2 wickets in hand, Mahmudullah and pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib were at the crease.

In the 19th over, bowled by former Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka, Mahmudullah hit a six off the first ball, boosting Bangladesh's chances. After a single on the second ball and a dot ball from Tanzim, another single followed, leaving Bangladesh needing 3 runs for victory.

Shanaka bowled a wide on the fifth ball, allowing Bangladesh to steal an extra run. With one run needed off the last ball, Mahmudullah pushed it to mid-off and completed a double, securing the win for Bangladesh.

Towhid Hridoy played a crucial innings, scoring 40 runs off 20 balls with one four and three sixes. Litton Das contributed 36 runs off 38 balls. Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain was named Man of the Match on his World Cup debut.

Towhid Hridoy's three consecutive sixes off Wanindu Hasaranga, one of the world's best leg-spinners, were a highlight of Bangladesh's innings, despite Hridoy being dismissed soon after. His 40-run innings was crucial in the chase.

Hridoy, one of Bangladesh's best T20 batters this year, has consistently batted with confidence on various wickets. His 61-run partnership with Litton Das, who scored 36 runs off 38 balls, was significant in the win against Sri Lanka.

Rishad Hossain's Leg Spin Magic

Sri Lanka were well-placed at 100 for 3 in 14 overs, a strong position in T20 cricket. However, commentators noted that they could have added 50-60 runs in the last six overs for a solid total. Rishad Hossain changed the game with his first two deliveries in the 15th over.

Mustafizur Rahman's Excellence

Mustafizur Rahman, who had been bowling brilliantly since the Indian Premier League, showcased his skills in Dallas with a mix of slower and faster deliveries. His varying speeds, ranging from 144 km/h to under 120 km/h, repeatedly troubled the Sri Lankan batters. He bowled 14 dot balls in his 4 overs, taking 3 crucial wickets.

Disappointments from Shakib, Soumya, and Shanto

Soumya Sarkar's poor form continued as he was dismissed without scoring, marking the 13th time in under 90 innings he got out for zero. Shakib Al Hasan was also disappointing, conceding 24 runs in his first 2 overs and a total of 30 runs in 3 overs. With the bat, Shakib managed only 8 runs off 14 balls and never looked settled at the crease.

Najmul Hossain Shanto had a chance to return to form but was caught for just 7 runs off 13 balls.

Despite the challenges, this win brings relief to Bangladesh's supporters. Expectations for the Bangladesh cricket team in this World Cup are modest, making this victory particularly satisfying.