Shanaka’s spectacular efficiency, claiming 3/28 with three key top-order wickets, performed an important function in Sri Lanka’s 21-run win over Bangladesh, giving them a robust begin within the Asia Cup Tremendous 4 stage.
Sri Lanka needed to contend with out key gamers reminiscent of Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Madushanka, and Lahiru Kumara, all sidelined as a consequence of accidents.
Dealing with a modest whole of 257/9, Sri Lanka wanted early breakthroughs. Though medium-pacer Kasun Rajitha maintained a cheap spell, he struggled to take wickets.
Alternatively, the thriller spinner Maheesh Theekshana (3/69) confronted a difficult begin after sustaining a hand damage from a Taskin Ahmed bouncer.
“When there is no frontline bowlers, somebody must chip in. Usually Kasun and Maheesh ship on the high. However Maheesh delivered on the finish,” Shanka stated on the post-match presentation.
“It is matter of time, I’ve performed ok cricket to ship. Bangladesh bowlers bowled rather well, particularly Hasan Mahmud. So I assumed if I hit the seam, it may work and I delivered.”
Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan felt his facet might have finished a greater job of selecting wickets and stitching partnerships.
“Our high 4 did not get sufficient runs and we did not bowl nicely at first. There was assist for the bowlers however we did not get the wickets, however credit score goes to Sri Lanka,” Shakib stated.
“We got here again actually sturdy however then Sadeera performed very nicely. We wanted 80-100 run partnership to chase this. Our high 4 did not get sufficient runs and we did not bowl nicely at first.”
(With inputs from PTI)