Bangla tigers on the prowl

Colombo, March 17

As they gear up for the Tri-series title clash against India, skipper Shakib Al Hasan says Bangladesh have “momentum” after their spectacular win over the hosts. Bangladesh eked out a thrilling two-wicket win over Sri Lanka in a nail-biting virtual semifinal on Friday to book a place in the final. “India are a very good side but we have the momentum, so hopefully we can continue the performance,” said Hasan.

Talking about yesterday’s win over Sri Lanka, Hasan said: “You can’t expect more than that in a T20 game. There was everything. Emotions, drama, everything. We are lucky to be on the winning side. Kusal Perera and Thisara Perera batted very well, got themselves into a winning position. I had only one hit before I came into the game, so I knew I wasn’t 100%. It was important to rotate the strike and give it to Mahmudullah. This is one of our best innings in the last five overs.”

The match witnessed some ugly scenes in the 20th over when Bangladesh claimed that the second ball of Isuru Udana’s final over should have been declared a no ball as it was a second consecutive bouncer. Bangladesh needed 12 off the final over and believed that they were hard done by as they were unable to score off the two balls, and even lost a wicket through a run-out. Hasan was also seen gesticulating at his batsmen, appearing to be conveying that they leave the field in protest against the umpiring errors. 

Mahmudullah said: “The confusion was that the ball on which Mustafizur (Rahman) got out would be the first bumper of the over but it’s in the past now, so let’s forget it.”  

Glass pane broken

Reports also claimed that the Bangladesh dressing room’s glass door was smashed during their victory celebration. “That sort of behaviour at an umpire’s decision was most unacceptable and regrettable,” Sri Lanka Cricket chief Thilanga Sumathipala said.

Shakib, Nurul fined 

Captain Hasan and reserve player Nurul Hasan have been fined 25 percent of their match fees and handed one demerit point each for code of conduct breaches during the ill-tempered match against Lanka. Nurul, who had entered the playing area carrying a team message, was seen pointing at Sri Lanka captain Thisara Perera. Shakib was found guilty of conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game while Nurul displayed conduct that brings the game into disrepute into disrepute, ICC said in a statement. — Agencies