Bangladesh seize dramatic win over Sri Lanka, face India in final

colombo, March 16 

Bangladesh pulled off a sensational two-wicket victory over Sri Lanka under dramatic circumstances to set up a summit clash against India in the Nidahas Tri-series. 

Mahmudullah (43*) struck a stunning six in the penultimate delivery to reach to the target of 160 to the wild celebration of the Bangladesh camp after tempers were frayed due to debatable decisions by the umpires. 

The match at the R Premadasa Stadium was marred by drama at the fag end of the virtual semifinal as Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan gestured to his two batsmen to come out of the field apparently in protest against giving a run-out decision to Mustafizur Rahman on a seemingly shoulder-height ball. But better sense prevailed in the end after arguments between the players of the two sides and intervention by match officials.

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan said, “You can’t expect more than that in a T20I game, so much excitement, emotion. I knew I was not 100 per cent as far as batting is concerned. We always had healthy competition in the ground, but outside, we are friends. Emotions take over, I need to be careful as a leader of a team, I will be careful next time.” —  PTI 

Brief Scores: Sri Lanka: 159/7 (Kusal Perera 61, Thisara 58; Mustafizur Rahman 2/39); Bangladesh: 160/8 (Tamim Iqbal 50, Mahmudullah 43*; A Dananjaya 2/37).