The 15th match of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 took place between Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas. Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl. Put into bat first, Sri Lanka openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis got off to a steady start.

They added 21 runs in 2.3 overs before Taskin Ahmed drew the first blood after getting hit for two back-to-back fours. He bowled a length delivery and Mendis got an inside edge and the ball hit the stumps. He got out for 10 off 8. His dismissal brought Kamindu Mendis in the middle. Alongside Pathum Nissanka he started to steady the ship.

Pathum Nissanka played a quickfire knock

However, Nissanka smashed four boundaries in the 5th over off Shakib Al Hasan and their onslaught helped them post 48 runs in 5 overs as well. Mustafizur Rahman came into the attack in the final over of the powerplay and struck on the very first ball. It was a full delivery and the batter went for the drive but Kamindu eventually got out after giving an easy catch over mid-off.

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Their economical spell didn’t allow Sri Lanka bowlers to open their hands. Mustafizur struck again to dismiss in-form Nissanka on 47 in the 9th over. However, Rishad Hossain came to bowl in the 15th over and his double strike reduced Sri Lanka to 103 for 5 as well.

Bangladesh bowlers did a great job

However, Bangladesh bowlers didn’t let Sri Lanka settle in the middle as they picked up wickets at regular intervals. And their economical spells restricted Sri Lanka to a below-par score of 124 for 9 in 20 overs.

After the first innings, Taskin Ahmed said: “It is a pretty good start. The game is not done and we will celebrate after winning the game. We didn’t start well but came back strongly. The whole bowling unit did a great job and we are very happy to restrict them to 124. There is a little bit of help for the bowlers, we made use of that and executed our plans. We bowled well but now we need to finish it with the bat. Proper cricketing shots will help as there will be some help for the bowlers. Hopefully we can chase this easily.”