The second T20 match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka was a thrilling encounter that saw Bangladesh emerge victorious by 8 wickets. Just like in the first match, Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field first. The match occurred at the Sylhet Stadium, known for its heavy dew, making batting second an advantage. Hence, winning the toss was crucial.
The Bangladesh team displayed great determination and skill throughout the match, putting up a fantastic fight from the very beginning. They left no room for Sri Lanka to settle on the wicket and managed to restrict them to 165 runs. Bangladesh then easily chased the target, losing only 2 wickets and scoring 170 runs.
The Bangladesh team’s remarkable performance was that they fought relentlessly and dominated the match. On the other hand, the Sri Lankan team struggled to find their rhythm and could not match the Bangladesh team’s energy. Overall, it was an exciting match that showcased the Bangladesh team’s talent and abilities.
Greeny pitch
Bangladesh meticulously prepared a pitch covered with lush green grass. According to the expert TV commentator Russell Arnold, the grass was approximately 6mm tall. This was a smart move by Bangladesh, as playing on such a pitch provided an excellent training ground for their players to hone their skills in fast-paced games, especially in countries like England and Australia.
In contrast, Sri Lanka does not have a similar approach. When they play on their home grounds, they create slow and low pitches, favouring their spin bowlers to take wickets and win matches. Unfortunately, this strategy does not prepare Sri Lankan players to perform well on bouncy and fast-paced pitches, leading to their struggles on such surfaces.
In the recent match against Bangladesh, Sri Lankan players were again out of their comfort zone, grappling to adapt to the unfamiliar green pitch. On the other hand, Bangladesh has fully realised the significance of practising on fast-paced pitches. It is poised to perform exceptionally well on such surfaces in the future.
Avishka Fernando Factor
Fernando had a disappointing day, unable to score any runs, which significantly impacted Sri Lanka’s innings. The team’s selection committee must carefully evaluate whether it is worth continuing to use him as an opening batter. In a T20 match, there is no room for reckless play like this.
With the World Cup looming, the importance of having a reliable and consistent batter on the team cannot be overstated. However, there is no time for experimentation, and the selection committee must make a well-informed decision soon to ensure the team is ready to compete at the highest level.
Today is the day of Bangladesh
Bangladesh came into the match fiercely determined to win and displayed an unwavering commitment from the very first ball. Their fast bowlers were on fire, clocking faster speeds than usual, and their interest in the game was palpable. The Bangladesh team performed excellently in the field, showing great skill and agility, and they never backed down from the competition.
As the match progressed, Bangladesh’s bowlers displayed exceptional skill, especially in the death overs. They restricted Sri Lanka’s run-scoring opportunities, and the Sri Lankan batters could not get going.
Mathews and Shanaka, two of Sri Lanka’s most dangerous batsmen, were controlled and never allowed to go for the big shots. In the end, Sri Lanka only scored 48 runs in the last 5 overs, a testament to Bangladesh’s fantastic bowling performance.
Bangladesh’s hard work and dedication paid off, as they emerged victorious in the match. While Sri Lanka lost only 5 wickets in the innings, they could not score big runs due to Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling. Despite having a team entirely of fast batters, Sri Lanka was unable to build any substantial innings, and Bangladesh’s victory was well-deserved.
Using Matheesha Pathirana
In the previous match, Pathirana, sustained a leg injury. As a result, it is highly recommended that he should not be selected for the upcoming game.
The team’s victory is not worth the risk of aggravating his injury. Given the nature of his position, fast bowlers tend to be more prone to injuries, so even a minor sickness could significantly impact his health.
Unfortunately, his injury has resurfaced during the ongoing match, raising concerns about his availability for the third game.
Pathirana, specifically brought in for the T20 tournament, could be considered a potential replacement. However, if Pathirana’s injury worsens, it could jeopardise his chances of participating in the upcoming World Cup.
Therefore, the selection committee must weigh the pros and cons carefully and take full responsibility if Pathirana’s injury deteriorates.
Maheesh Theekshana
During the match, it was evident that Theekshana was struggling to make an impact on the grass pitches. The batters faced no challenge from him, and he failed to put any pressure on them. His ability to take wickets only in matches held in his country cannot be considered a true testament to his skills as a bowler.
Bangladesh batters’s responsibility
The Bangladeshi batters performed impressive, making the game challenging for Sri Lanka. The top four batters of Bangladesh played their roles exceptionally well and contributed to the team’s success.
The captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, showcased his leadership skills and scored 53 unbeaten. Liton Das scored 36 runs, Soumya Sarkar scored 26, and Towhid Hridoy remained unbeaten at 32 runs. The Sri Lankan team, as usual, conceded 23 extra runs,
Unlucky umpire decisions
Despite the excitement and anticipation of a thrilling match, the outcome can be marred by erroneous decisions made by the umpires. Even the highly regarded TV umpire, tasked with making accurate calls, can sometimes falter. It’s disheartening to recall that this unfortunate situation actually transpired in the match we’re referring to.
During the Bangladesh inning, Soumya Sarkar was caught by Kusal Mendis. The field umpire declared it as a dismissal, but the batter requested a review. The third umpire reviewed the footage and declared it as a not-out, causing tension amongst the Sri Lankan players and leading to a brief halt in the match.
Television replays clearly showed the ball hitting the bat. Still, the third umpire dismissed the footage and gave the batsman the benefit of the doubt. This decision disadvantaged the Sri Lankan team, affecting their mental state.
To prevent such situations in international competitions, umpires should be trained in television technology and how to analyse footage frame by frame.
Standard footage recorded at 30 frames per second can sometimes miss the action between two frames, which can be clarified by reviewing footage in super-slow motion or frame by frame.
Recording matches at 60 frames per second can ensure more accuracy. However, the use of this technology in tournaments remains to be seen.
The tournament is very competitive
It seems like the third match of the series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will be very intense. Both teams are tied 1-1 and will do their best to win. Winning the toss of the match will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the match.
Sri Lanka’s regular captain, Vanudu Hasaranga, will return to the team, making them a solid force to be reckoned with. However, due to Matheesha Pathirana’s injury, they will miss the services of fast bowlers. Binura Fernando’s success in the match will depend on the support he receives; if luck is on his side, he can take wickets.
Despite Sri Lanka’s strong team, Bangladesh has the upper hand in the series due to their home advantage, dedicated players, and massive fan following. Therefore, Bangladesh is the most likely team to win the series.
