In a thrilling World Cup match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Shakib Al Hasan showcased an all-round masterclass, propelling Bangladesh to a remarkable three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka. This exceptional performance by Shakib proved to be the turning point of the game, marking a historic moment for Bangladesh in ODI World Cup history.
he cricket match played in Delhi was indeed an eventful and memorable one, but not just for the quality of play on the field. The severe air pollution that engulfed the city added an unprecedented dimension to the game, making headlines for both its challenges and remarkable performances.
One of the standout moments of the match was Charith Asalanka’s brilliant performance. Despite the adverse conditions, Asalanka managed to score his second ODI hundred, showcasing his exceptional skill and determination as a batsman. His century not only helped his team but also illustrated his ability to excel in the face of adversity.
In the day’s cricketing action, Bangladesh made a strategic decision to bowl first after winning the toss. This choice set the tone for an intriguing contest, and their early performance on the field justified their decision.
Right from the start, Bangladesh showed their prowess in the field. Their wicketkeeper, Mushfiqur Rahim, produced a moment of brilliance, taking a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss the returning Kusal Perera in the very first over of the match. Rahim’s exceptional catch sent shockwaves through the stadium and showcased the agility and skill of the Bangladeshi players, setting the stage for an intense battle between bat and ball.
After the dismissal of Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka took on the responsibility of anchoring the Sri Lankan innings. He continued to accumulate runs, occasionally finding the boundary, and steadily progressed towards a remarkable milestone. In the 48th over of the match, Asalanka achieved a significant feat by reaching his century, a commendable achievement considering the challenging conditions and the high-pressure environment of the World Cup.
This century marked the ninth instance of a player reaching the three-figure mark at the venue, making it the most hundreds scored at that particular ground during the ongoing World Cup. It was a testament to the quality of the batsmen participating in the tournament and the competitive nature of the matches, with each century contributing to the rich tapestry of cricketing history in this World Cup.
In their pursuit of a competitive target under the floodlights, with the added challenge of dew on the field, Tanzid Hasan provided a positive start for Bangladesh with consecutive boundaries off the bowling of Dilshan Madushanka. This early aggression from Hasan indicated their intent to chase down the target and set a strong foundation for the innings.
Najmul Hossain Shanto played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s successful run chase, contributing 90 runs to the team’s cause. He formed a steady and productive partnership with Shakib Al Hasan, and their collective efforts were pivotal in setting the stage for victory. The two combined to put on a substantial partnership of 169 runs for the third wicket, a significant milestone for Bangladesh in the context of the World Cup.
Shakib’s remarkable performance continued as he swept and drove his way to a 47-ball fifty, which was his first half-century in the tournament. This milestone not only boosted his confidence but also added impetus to Bangladesh’s run chase. Shakib’s aggressive yet calculated approach was the cornerstone of Bangladesh’s successful pursuit of the target and played a vital role in securing the victory for his team.
The wicket of Mushfiqur Rahim, claimed by Dilshan Madushanka, added to the tension of the situation, making it a closely contested match. With the game hanging in the balance, it was imperative for Bangladesh to find a way to cross the finishing line.
Ultimately, Mahmudullah’s contribution of 22 runs from 23 balls and Towhid Hridoy’s unbeaten 15 runs from just 7 deliveries proved to be pivotal. Their calm and collected batting ensured that Bangladesh successfully completed the run chase, helping their team secure a crucial victory.
The match provided an exhilarating display of cricket, with the balance of power shifting between the two teams throughout the contest. In the end, it was the composure and nerve shown by Mahmudullah and Towhid Hridoy that guided Bangladesh to a well-deserved win, capping off an enthralling and closely-fought encounter.
In conclusion, Bangladesh’s victory over Sri Lanka, powered by Shakib Al Hasan’s extraordinary all-round performance, will be remembered as a defining moment in their cricketing history. It showcased the potential and determination of the Bangladeshi team on the world stage and sent a message that they were a force to be reckoned with in international cricket.
Match Summary: Sri Lanka 279 in 49.3 overs (Asalanka 108, Nissanka 41; Tanzim Hasan Sakib 3-80) lost to Bangladesh 282/7 in 41.1 overs (shanto 90, Shakib 82; Madushanka 3-69) by 3 wickets
