Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Highlights And Cricket Score 6th Match - T20 Commentary
1st Inn
2nd Inn
End of Over : 20.0SL: 159/7
Great recovery from the hosts. After a very good start by Bangladesh they have just not put the right finishing touches. They dominated in the Powerplay picking up 4 wickets for just 35 runs. The Pereras then made sure Sri Lanka get past the 150-mark. Thisara and Kusal both got to their fifties to give their bowlers something to bowl at. Mehidy Hasan bowled well to give just 16 of his 4 overs and take a wicket. Strangely, Shakib bowled just the two overs and Nazmul Islam didn't even get the ball. Not the biggest of targets. If the visitors get off to a good start they can easily pull this off. Let's see how they go about it. Second innings in a while.
19.61
Rubel Hossain to Isuru Udana. Good comeback from Rubel after going for a boundary in the first over. Gets the yorker right, Udana plays it towards mid off and manages just a single. SRI LANKA END WITH 159/7 in their 20 overs.
19.51
Rubel Hossain to Akila Dananjaya. The batsman gets an inside edge and the ball hits him on the pads. One run added to the total.
19.41
Rubel Hossain to Isuru Udana. Right on the money, Udana hits it through covers for a single.
19.32
Rubel Hossain to Isuru Udana. Pitched up, Udana lofts it over mid on for a brace.
19.2W
Rubel Hossain to Thisara Perera. OUT! Perera falls in the last over trying to up the ante. Slow ball around off, Thisara is early in his shot and the ball skies towards mid off. Tamim moves to his left from extra cover and takes a juggling catch. A well played innings comes to an end.
19.14
Rubel Hossain to Thisara Perera. FOUR! Goes for the yorker and gives a low full toss for Thisara who hits it over covers for a boundary. Great start to the over.
End of Over : 1913 RunsSL: 150/6
18.61
Soumya Sarkar to Thisara Perera. Another loft over mid on. Thisara will keep strike for the final over.
18.6wd
Soumya Sarkar to Thisara Perera. Wide. This one is down the leg side and the batsman leaves it alone. The umpire has signalled a wide.
18.53
Soumya Sarkar to Isuru Udana. In the air...but safe. Udana lofts this over mid on and comes back for the third as Mahmudullah slides near the rope to parry it towards his teammate who didn't read the game well.
18.41
Soumya Sarkar to Thisara Perera. Played to the point region by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.
18.36
Soumya Sarkar to Thisara Perera. SIX! Pitched up and Thisara lofts it over long on for a biggie. Sabbir Rahman the fielder there was ahead of the boundary line. He jumps for it but the ball is well over him. Had he been a bit behind, might have been a different story.
Isuru Udana is the new man in.
18.2W
Soumya Sarkar to Kusal Perera. OUT! Finally a wicket for Bangladesh! The partnership is broken but has the damage been done? A change of bowling has done the trick. Slow ball outside off, Kusal reaches for it outside his off stump and hits it towards square leg. The ball takes an edge of the bat and skies towards deep square leg. Mehidy Hasan gets under it and takes a good catch.
18.11
Soumya Sarkar to Thisara Perera. On the pads of Thisara, who misses his flick and they steal a leg bye as the ball goes towards square leg.
Soumya Sarkar comes for his second over.
End of Over : 1810 RunsSL: 137/5
17.61
Rubel Hossain to Thisara Perera. Thisara drives this through covers for one.
17.50
Rubel Hossain to Thisara Perera. Driven to the covers by the batsman for a rare dot.
17.42
Rubel Hossain to Thisara Perera. Full this time, Thisara drives this in the gap through covers and a poor throw from the deep enables them to come back for the second.
17.32
Rubel Hossain to Thisara Perera. Drags his length back, Thisara pulls this towards square leg for a brace.
17.24
Rubel Hossain to Thisara Perera. FOUR! Pitched up ball, Thisara hits it hard towards long on for a boundary.
17.11
Rubel Hossain to Kusal Perera. Kusal guides it to third man. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Rubel Hossain comes back into the attack.
End of Over : 1717 RunsSL: 127/5
16.60
Mustafizur Rahman to Thisara Perera. Dot ball to end the over, but a very good one for the hosts. Slow ball outside off, Thisara misses his big shot.
16.52
Mustafizur Rahman to Thisara Perera. Bangs this short again, Thisara pulls this in front of square on the leg side for another two runs.
16.46
Mustafizur Rahman to Thisara Perera. SIX! Beautiful shot from Perera! Slow ball in line of the stumps, Thisara chips it over the bowler's head for a biggie.
16.36
Mustafizur Rahman to Thisara Perera. SIX! Short ball, Thisara well in control of the pull and hits it over deep square leg for the second maximum.
16.22
Mustafizur Rahman to Thisara Perera. Short ball, Thisara pulls this to square leg for a brace.
16.11
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Perera. Back of a length ball, Kusal tucks it through mid-wicket for one.
Mustafizur Rahman to bowl his last over.
End of Over : 1611 RunsSL: 110/5
15.61
Mahmudullah to Kusal Perera. The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total.
15.51
Mahmudullah to Thisara Perera. Back of a length ball, Thisara punches this towards mid on for a run.
15.42
Mahmudullah to Thisara Perera. Another couple of runs through mid-wicket. Thisara taps it there and charges back for two.
15.31
Mahmudullah to Kusal Perera. The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. They pick up a single.
15.24
Mahmudullah to Kusal Perera. FOUR! Great improvisation! Serves this on leg, Kusal reveres sweeps this through backward point for a boundary.
15.12
Mahmudullah to Kusal Perera. Kusal works this through mid-wicket and comes back for the second.
End of Over : 159 RunsSL: 99/5
14.61
Soumya Sarkar to Kusal Perera. Driven towards the mid off region. They pick up a single.
14.51
Soumya Sarkar to Thisara Perera. Short ball, Thisara pushes this through mid on for one.
14.42
Soumya Sarkar to Thisara Perera. Back of a length ball, Thisara punches this off his back foot on the off for a couple.
14.30
Soumya Sarkar to Thisara Perera. Knuckle ball from Sarkar, outside off. Perera goes for a big heave but gets beaten.
14.21
Soumya Sarkar to Kusal Perera. Fifty for Kusal! Taps this towards mid-wicket and picks up a run. His 10th T20I fifty. He continues his rich vein of form.
14.14
Soumya Sarkar to Kusal Perera. FOUR! Interesting change of bowlers. Slow ball outside off, Kusal cuts it past point for a boundary. This brings up the fifty stand for the home team.
Soumya Sarkar comes in for his first over.
End of Over : 144 RunsSL: 90/5
13.61
Mahmudullah to Kusal Perera. Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.
13.50
Mahmudullah to Kusal Perera. Short ball, Kusal gets a bottom edge to this and the ball goes to the bowler.
13.40
Mahmudullah to Kusal Perera. How did that miss the stump? Flat ball on his off pole, Kusal goes for the sweep and the ball just misses his off stump.
13.32
Mahmudullah to Kusal Perera. In the gap this time. Kusal plays this with soft hands through mid-wicket and comes back for the second.
13.20
Mahmudullah to Kusal Perera. Kusal hits this back to the bowler.
13.11
Mahmudullah to Thisara Perera. Flighted ball, Thisara works it through mid-wicket for one.
End of Over : 1318 RunsSL: 86/5
12.61
Mustafizur Rahman to Thisara Perera. Rahman bowls this short again. Perera flat bats this over mid off over a run.
12.54
Mustafizur Rahman to Thisara Perera. FOUR! Easy pickings for Thisara. Rahman digs this one short too. Perera makes room and hits it in the vacant deep backward point region for a boundary.
12.41
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Perera. The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.
12.34
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Perera. FOUR! Follows the six with a boundary. Short again and this time outside off. Kusal flashes hard at it and the ball flies over backward point to the fence. 1000 T20I runs for the southpaw. He is playing a very important knock here. Taking his team out of troubled waters with this innings and partnership with Thisara. Also, he is now the quickest to this mark for Sri Lanka, taking 34 innings.
12.26
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Perera. SIX! Bangs this short and Kusal pulls it high and handsome over mid-wicket for the first maximum.
12.12
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Perera. Back of a length ball, Kusal plays it through mid-wicket and quickly comes back for the second.
The Fizz is back on to bowl. His figures for now are two overs, two wickets and just four runs.
End of Over : 125 RunsSL: 68/5
11.61
Mehidy Hasan to Kusal Perera. Stays on the back foot and punches it down the ground for a run.
11.50
Mehidy Hasan to Kusal Perera. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
11.41
Mehidy Hasan to Thisara Perera. Fires this one in, on middle, Thisara helps it to mid-wicket and crosses.
11.32
Mehidy Hasan to Thisara Perera. NOT OUT! Kusal has dived his way home. A shortish ball on middle, Thisara goes on the back foot and works it through mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep has to run across to collect the ball and seeing that the batsmen attempt for the second run. The fielder comes up with a direct hit at the bowler's end as Kusal dives in. They appeal and the umpire takes it upstairs. The replays roll in and it shows that the dive has saved KP! Sri Lanka can take a huge sigh of relief.
Run out appeal! Direct hits are always interesting. Seems touch and go at the non-striker's end. The umpire has referred it upstairs...
11.20
Mehidy Hasan to Thisara Perera. Flighted full ball on off, defended off the front foot.
11.11
Mehidy Hasan to Kusal Perera. The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. One run added to the total.
End of Over : 1110 RunsSL: 63/5
10.61
Rubel Hossain to Kusal Perera. Smart batting, gets a full ball around middle and tickles it to mid-wicket for a run.
10.54
Rubel Hossain to Kusal Perera. FOUR! Wow, even better. The bowler overpitches this time, over-correcting his length and it's on middle. Perera brings down a straight bat and creams it down the ground for a glorious boundary. Surely this is a better pitch than the scoreline suggests.
10.44
Rubel Hossain to Kusal Perera. FOUR! Excellent shot, by far the best of the match, so far. Rubel goes short and Kusal swivels on the back foot with the pull shot. Makes superb connection and sends it screaming to the deep backward square leg fence.
10.31
Rubel Hossain to Thisara Perera. Better this time. Calmly works a length ball to mid-wicket and takes a run.
10.20
Rubel Hossain to Thisara Perera. Another play and a miss outside off for Thisara. He needs to watch the ball before swinging his bat.
10.10
Rubel Hossain to Thisara Perera. Beaten! Full and outside off, Perera swishes and misses.
Rubel Hossain is into the attack.
End of Over : 1010 RunsSL: 53/5
9.61
Mahmudullah to Thisara Perera. Driven towards the mid off region. The batsmen have run through for a single.
9.52
Mahmudullah to Thisara Perera. On the pads of Perera who works it towards fine leg for a brace.
9.41
Mahmudullah to Kusal Perera. Another single through mid-wicket as Perera jogs to the other end.
9.31
Mahmudullah to Thisara Perera. The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen have run through for a single.
9.21
Mahmudullah to Kusal Perera. NOT OUT! A WASTE of a review. Shakib gets too excited as wickets fall on the other end. Tossed up ball around off, Perera taps it through covers and moves to the other end. The bowler thinks that has hit him on the pad and consults his skipper. They decide to take it up. Replays show that the ball was nowhere close to the pad and has only come of the meat.
An appeal for LBW is taken up.
9.14
Mahmudullah to Kusal Perera. FOUR! Stop the press. A boundary for Sri Lanka. outside off, Perera cuts this through backward point for a much needed boundary.
End of Over : 92 RunsSL: 43/5
8.60
Mehidy Hasan to Thisara Perera. Good end of the over. Perera covers his timber and defends it. Two runs and a wicket from it.
8.50
Mehidy Hasan to Thisara Perera. The batsman has driven it through mid off.
8.40
Mehidy Hasan to Thisara Perera. Perera plays this with soft hands and the ball goes to the fielder at point.
8.31
Mehidy Hasan to Kusal Perera. Around off, Perera pushes this through covers for one more.
8.21
Mehidy Hasan to Thisara Perera. Tossed up, Perera eases it to mid-wicket for a run.
Thisara Perera is next to bat.
8.1W
Mehidy Hasan to Jeevan Mendis. OUT! Sri Lanka are losing wickets faster than they change their captains. Hasan gives this air around off. Mendis reaches for it and goes for the sweep. He sweeps this from the off and his bottom hand comes off the handle. The ball flies to short fine leg and Mustafizur Rahman gets under it and takes an easy catch. Mendis has to take the long walk back.
End of Over : 84 RunsSL: 41/4
7.61
Mahmudullah to Jeevan Mendis. Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. They pick up a single.
7.50
Mahmudullah to Jeevan Mendis. Mendis punches this ball to the off.
7.40
Mahmudullah to Jeevan Mendis. That kept low. Mendis goes for the big sweep and the ball goes under his bat in the keeper's glove.
7.30
Mahmudullah to Jeevan Mendis. Quicker again, Mendis gets behind the ball and blocks it.
7.3wd
Mahmudullah to Jeevan Mendis. Wide. The ball is way wide on the leg side but the batsman still goes after it. The umpire signals a wide.
7.21
Mahmudullah to Kusal Perera. Darts this around leg, Perera taps it around the corner and gives his partner the strike.
7.11
Mahmudullah to Jeevan Mendis. Around off, Mendis gets an edge towards backward point for one.
Mahmudullah is into the attack.
End of Over : 72 RunsSL: 37/4
6.61
Mehidy Hasan to Jeevan Mendis. A touch flatter this time, length remains full, Jeevan opens the face of the bat and places his shot through point for a run.
6.50
Mehidy Hasan to Jeevan Mendis. Strides forward to a loopy full ball again and pushes it with gentle hands to covers. Not in the gap.
6.40
Mehidy Hasan to Jeevan Mendis. Slower through the air this time, tossed up and landing full on middle, Jeevan lunges and defends it back.
6.31
Mehidy Hasan to Kusal Perera. Flatter and shorter, on middle, Kusal gets deep inside the crease and strokes it through covers for one.
6.20
Mehidy Hasan to Kusal Perera. A late cut on this occasion but he finds the fielder at backward point.
6.10
Mehidy Hasan to Kusal Perera. Shortish around off, holding up a bit, Perera gets back and mistimes his punch to covers.
Slight halt in play. Seems something has gone in Perera's eyes. He is washing his face. Wearing a helmet can help him a bit too, not completely though in this case.
End of Over : 66 RunsSL: 35/4
5.62
Mustafizur Rahman to Jeevan Mendis. Straying down the pads of Mendis, he misses his flick and the ball hits his pad and runs past the keeper. They pick up two runs for it. End of the Powerplay, Bangladesh clearly dominating the play. Sri Lanka are 35-4 and have lost their cream.
5.6wd
Mustafizur Rahman to Jeevan Mendis. Wide. Unusual bounce. Too high to worry the batsman! Wide signalled by the umpire.
5.50
Mustafizur Rahman to Jeevan Mendis. Length again, Mendis blocks this from the crease.
Jeevan Mendis joins Perera in the middle.
5.4W
Mustafizur Rahman to Dasun Shanaka. OUT! In comes Shanaka and out he goes. Two wickets in an over for Bangladesh. Rahman serves this on a good length in the line of the stumps, the ball angles after pitching and moves away from Shanaka. He is tentative in his shot and gets a faint edge on it. The ball settles in the gloves of Rahman. And the Men in Green are all smiles. Shanaka won't even need a shower after this.
5.31
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Perera. Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. They pick up a single.
Dasun Shanaka walks in next.
5.2W
Mustafizur Rahman to Upul Tharanga. OUT! Big mix-up and Tharanga is well short of his mark. This is a big blow for the hosts and a rather soft one. Back of a length ball, Tharanga tucks it away to mid-wicket. Perera doesn't look where the ball is and takes off. Mehidy Hasan the fielder there, picks it up and runs with the ball towards the non-striker's end. Tharanga responds to his partner's call and goes for the run. Hasan gives the ball to the bowler and he completes the formalities. Tharanga is not even in the picture and the umpire raises his finger without even going upstairs.
5.11
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Perera. Serves this on leg stump, Perera taps it to square leg and runs towards the other end.
5.1wd
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Perera. Wide. The ball is down the leg side but the batsman still goes after it. The umpire signals a wide.
End of Over : 57 RunsSL: 29/2
4.64
Mehidy Hasan to Upul Tharanga. FOUR! Flat outside off, Tharanga rocks back and cuts it perfectly in the gap between backward point and point for a boundary.
4.50
Mehidy Hasan to Upul Tharanga. On middle stump, Tharanga hits it back to the bowler.
4.40
Mehidy Hasan to Upul Tharanga. Loopy ball and pitched it on middle. The ball holds a bit and moves away from Tharanga who gets beaten by the spin. The keeper takes the bails off but Upul is safely inside.
4.31
Mehidy Hasan to Kusal Perera. Darts this on middle stump. Perera makes room and drives it through covers for one more.
4.21
Mehidy Hasan to Upul Tharanga. Quicker again on the pads of Tharanga, who flicks it off his pads to square leg to rotate strike.
4.11
Mehidy Hasan to Kusal Perera. Fires this outside off, Perera cuts it to backward point and goes to the other end.
Upul Tharanga is the new batsman. Change in bowling as well, Mehidy Hasan to bowl his off spinners.
End of Over : 41 RunsSL: 22/2
3.6W
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis. OUT! The batsman in form has departed! This is a big blow to Sri Lanka. Rahman with the breakthrough. Once again he holds his pace back and length too, Mendis opts to pull but fails to get proper timing on it. Ends up chipping it towards Sarkar at mid-wicket who leaps a bit and catches the ball safely over his head. Kusal Mendis failed to get going today, played a few mistimed shots earlier also but was lucky not to get out then. Bangladesh are ecstatic, what a start for them in the Powerplay!
3.50
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis. A quick off cutter, says Manjrekar on air, gets good grip and it curves away a bit after landing around off, Mendis pushes inside the line and misses.
3.40
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis. Back of a length ball around off, Mendis is on the back foot and chops it down to point.
3.30
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis. Keeps bowling on a length outside off, Mendis this time remains on the back foot and taps it down to point.
3.20
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis. Play and a miss! Once again Rahman serves it on a length and offers width outside off, Mendis throws his bat at it but fails to connect.
3.11
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Perera. Angling down the leg side, on a good length, Perera fails to flick and it goes off his thigh pad to short fine leg. They steal a leg bye.
Mustafizur Rahman comes into the attack now.
End of Over : 36 RunsSL: 21/1
2.60
Shakib Al Hasan to Kusal Mendis. Fuller this time, Mendis plays it for the mid-wicket fielder to collect.
2.50
Shakib Al Hasan to Kusal Mendis. Flatter ball on the off, Mendis cuts it to the fielder at point.
2.41
Shakib Al Hasan to Kusal Perera. The batsman has driven it through mid on. They pick up a single.
2.34
Shakib Al Hasan to Kusal Perera. FOUR! Very good looking shot. Short again, around off, Perera gives room and cracks it through the cover-point region for a boundary.
2.21
Shakib Al Hasan to Kusal Mendis. Short ball outside off, Mendis goes back and punches it on the off side for a single.
Kusal Perera is the new batsman in.
2.1W
Shakib Al Hasan to Danushka Gunathilaka. OUT! There goes the first wicket! And the man back from injury strikes. He gets a wicket in his second over itself. Slower ball, in the line of the stumps, Gunathilaka goes for the big slog sweep but doesn't connect well enough. The ball hits the bottom half of the bat and skies straight up in the air. Sabbir Rahman runs from the boundary line (at long on) to his right and gets under it to take a very good catch near long off. He made it look easy but these are very difficult to take under the lights. The Bangladeshis are delighted as they join him in celebration.
End of Over : 212 RunsSL: 15/0
1.64
Rubel Hossain to Kusal Mendis. FOUR! A boundary to end the over. Overpitched ball on middle and leg. Mendis works it through mid-wicket in the gap. The fielder from mid on hares behind it but only comes second best.
1.54
Rubel Hossain to Kusal Mendis. FOUR! Short ball and Mendis goes for a flat-batted shot. He doesn't time it well though. The fielder at mid off looked interested for a moment but it goes over him for the first boundary.
1.40
Rubel Hossain to Kusal Mendis. Length in line of the stumps, Mendis stays back and blocks it.
1.31
Rubel Hossain to Danushka Gunathilaka. Around off, Gunathilaka works it around the corner and picks up a run.
1.22
Rubel Hossain to Danushka Gunathilaka. NOT OUT! Length outside off, Gunathilaka cuts it behind backward point and picks up a couple of runs. The fielder has a shy at the non-striker's end as Mendis was jogging back. The bowler takes the bails out. The umpire doesn't take a chance and goes upstairs. Replays show that Mendis was well in.
An appeal for a run out has been referred upstairs. Bangladesh don't look excited. Let's see.
1.11
Rubel Hossain to Kusal Mendis. Comes steaming in and plays it towards mid-wicket for one.
Rubel Hossain will bowl from the other end.
End of Over : 13 RunsSL: 3/0
0.61
Shakib Al Hasan to Kusal Mendis. Outside off, Mendis drives this through covers and quickly moves to the other end for a quick single. The fielder there has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses his aim.
0.50
Shakib Al Hasan to Kusal Mendis. Darts this quicker in line of the stumps, Mendis is happy to play it back to the bowler.
0.5wd
Shakib Al Hasan to Kusal Mendis. Wide. Tosses this down the leg and Mendis goes for the flick but misses. Wide signallad by the umpire.
0.41
Shakib Al Hasan to Danushka Gunathilaka. First run on the board. Bowls this a bit short, Gunathilaka rocks back and punches this through mid off for a run.
0.30
Shakib Al Hasan to Danushka Gunathilaka. Good start for Shakib. Three dots in a row. Flatter ball, around off, Gunathilaka cuts it to the fielder at point.
0.20
Shakib Al Hasan to Danushka Gunathilaka. Fuller this time, Gunathilaka leans forward and drives this to mid off for nothing.
0.10
Shakib Al Hasan to Danushka Gunathilaka. Starts off with a loopy ball around off, Gunathilaka gets behind the ball and defends it.
The Sri Lankan pair of Danushka Gunathilaka and Kusal Mendis have made their way in the middle. The fielders have taken their positions. Shakib Al Hasan will bowl with the new ball. A slip in place. Here we go...
The players have made their way out for their respective national anthems. We are not far away from the start of play.
Sri Lanka have made two changes to their side - Amila Aponso and Isuru Udana come in for Suranga Lakmal and Dushmantha Chameera. The visitors, on the other side, have made just one change. Abu Hider makes way for skipper Shakib Al Hasan.
Thisara Perera, the Sri Lankan skipper says that he is happy to bat first as he feels that the pitch is a bit slow. States that they want to put on a big score and then defend it. Further adds that they have taken positives from the previous games and are up for this crunch game.
Shakib Al Hasan says it is a good wicket and reckons that it will remain the same for 40 overs. Continues saying that they would like to restrict the Lankans and then chase down the total. On his injury, he replies that he is fit but just lacks match practice.
TOSS - Shakib Al Hasan calls tails, and tails it is! Bangladesh will bowl first!
PITCH REPORT - Brett Lee is in the middle for the pitch report. He says that it is a beautiful wicket and looks like a belter. He adds by saying that there is a good cover of grass but very few cracks. He feels that it is a good pitch for batting and the ball will come nicely to the bat. Ends by saying that 180-190 should be a good score.
Hello and welcome to a virtual semi-final clash between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Remember the first match between these two teams in this series? Yes, Mushfiqur Rahim's blitz and cobra dance flash in our minds. The visitors will be confident coming into this game even though they lost their last game against India. Also, with the return of Shakib Al Hasan, there will be a different vibe in the dressing room. The hosts, on the flip side, after an 'upset' win over India never managed to cross the finish line post that. An important game for both as the winner meets India in the final. Promises to be a cracker.
End of Over : 19.5BAN: 160/8
Time to draw the curtain on this action-packed game. The final is on Sunday. Unfortunately, the home team won't play a part in it but India vs Bangladesh also promises to be a cracking game. Do join us at 1330 GMT (1900 local) for all the action. Cheers!
Shakib Al Hasan, the winning skipper, says that the match was filled with a lot of drama. Feels that they were lucky to win the game and credits Sri Lanka for their recovery. On his batting, he says that he just wanted to give Mahmudullah the strike and is all praise for him for the way he played in the last five overs. On the argument, he says that his emotions got the better of him as there was excitement and also confusion. Adds that the Sri Lankans are their good friends off the pitch. Ends by saying that he is looking forward for the final as they have the momentum but is aware of the fact that India are a very good team.
Thisara Perera, the Sri Lankan skipper, states that the whole team is disappointed but thanks the crowd for the support. On the target, he feels that they were 10-15 runs short. Ends by saying that he is happy for the youngsters as they are looking promising.
Man of the Match, Mahmudullah, says that he rates this as one of his best innings. He adds that a win was needed for them and with Shakib back in the squad it boosted their confidence. On his batting, he answers that his plan was to watch the ball well and hit it hard. He continues and says that he got nervous when Rahim got out but got confidence from his partners. On the last over scenes, he replies that this happens sometimes and it all is a part of the game.
Tamim Iqbal is down with Russel Arnold for a chat. He says that they all are very emotional after the win. On being asked about the argument, he replies that their players were only confused about the no-ball decision not given by the umpire. Adds that the Sri Lankans are their good friends and this won't cause a rift between them. About the finish, he feels that Mahmudullah kept his cool and is out of words to describe the end. On his knock, he states that he should have stayed longer and finished the game as he was set. Ends by saying that it was a good team effort and the plans were well executed.
In spite of losing Liton Das early, Bangladesh kept themselves on track by maintaining a good rate. The partnership between Tamim and Shakib was very crucial in the context of the game. Sri Lanka did manage to take this game close by picking wickets and bowling tidily. Jeevan Mendis, Amila Aponso and Danushka Gunathilaka left their mark but the other bowlers failed to hold their composure towards the end. They dearly missed the service of Nuwan Pradeep who hurt his hamstring and didn't bowl a single over. Mahmudullah was the real star, playing a stunning knock and showed his class. Tension, pressure, nerves, emotions - Mahmudullah controlled all and hit 12 runs off three balls after the ugly onfield incident to steer his team in the final.
It was a great game of Twenty20! Sri Lanka started on a false note by losing the cream of their batting inside the Powerplay. Kusal Perera and Thisara Perera then joined forces to start the revival and courtesy their 97-run stand, Sri Lanka managed to claw back. Some late hitting by Thisara powered them to a total which many considered to be challenging, if not winning.
What a thrilling game! Pressure and tension mounted towards the end and have to say, a calm and composed Mahmudullah did an outstanding job to see his side through to the final. Thisara Perera experiences his 8th loss as a captain, an unwanted 100 percent losing record. The home side will be deeply disappointed. They won't be in the final of a tri-series which is organized to celebrate their 70th year of independence.
19.56
Isuru Udana to Mahmudullah. SIX! OUT OF HERE! MAHMUDULLAH HAS DONE IT! BANGLADESH ARE IN THE FINAL! Pin-drop silence in the stadium. The only noise you will hear is of a bunch of Bangladeshi boys all pumped up. Udana delivers it full and on the leg stump, Mahmudullah picks it off his pads and dismisses it over deep square leg for a maximum. Boy, terrific scenes out there, the whole of the Bangladesh dressing room is out there, jumping and hugging each other. Aahhh...here comes the cobra dance now. These lads are all charged up. Oh, hang on, some altercation again between the players from both sides. Courtney Walsh, the coach with his specs on, is trying to control his players, looking a bit like a school teacher. Calm down guys, it's just a game of cricket.
19.42
Isuru Udana to Mahmudullah. Nearly a run out! Fuller and on middle, Mahmudullah clips it through square leg and returns for the risky second run. The keeper gathers the ball and tries to deflect it onto the stumps. Misses it and Mahmudullah makes it safely. Could have been touch and go.
19.34
Isuru Udana to Mahmudullah. FOUR! Mahmudullah, you beauty! All the pressure and tension and he has played an outstanding shot. Latches onto a fuller length ball outside off and powers it over covers for a boundary.
The word we are getting is that the square leg umpire called the last ball a no ball initially for the second bouncer but then changed his decision (since he didn't signal one for the over after the first ball) which got a few Bangladeshi players worked up. It all led to the incident mentioned below. Anyway, it seems that sanity has prevailed now. Mahmudullah is still on the field. Shakib climbs the stairs and goes in the dressing room. He is very angry. Good part is that we will continue with this match.
Rubel Hossain is the new batsman. Things heating up there as Tharanga pushed one of the Bangladesh substitute players who was out there serving water to Mahmudullah. It has not gone down well with Shakib Al Hasan who is fuming at the boundary line. Wait, he is calling back his batsmen! The match officials are now getting involved but Shakib ain't agreeing. He wants his batsmen off the ground. Not looking good.
19.2W
Isuru Udana to Mustafizur Rahman. OUT! Rahman is run out! Another shorter length ball around off, Mustafizur tries to pull but misses. This time Mahmudullah wants to steal a bye and calls his partner. The keeper parries it to the bowler who breaks the stumps. It's referred upstairs and the replays find Rahman short.
A run out appeal this time is referred upstairs. It's all happening out there. Sri Lanka are looking very confident.
19.10
Isuru Udana to Mustafizur Rahman. Safe! Nothing in the replays. Udana digs in a short ball around middle and leg, Rahman tries to hook but misses. They appeal but nothing from the umpire. Sri Lanka want to opt for the DRS. The replays come but it finds nothing.
DRS time! Appeal for a caught behind. Not given and it's referred by Sri Lanka.
12 needed off 6 balls. Mustafizur Rahman has joined Mahmudullah in the middle and he will be on strike. Who is bowling this pressure over? It's Isuru Udana.
End of Over : 1911 RunsBAN: 148/7
18.6W
Thisara Perera to Mehidy Hasan. OUT! Hasan has to depart! He drives a full ball to mid off and scampers across to the other end. Shanaka picks up the ball and scores a direct hit at the bowler's end. The umpire goes upstairs and the replays show that Hasan is short of the crease. Another wicket falls and the worst part for Bangladesh is that Mahmudullah won't be on strike for the next over.
Direct hit at the non-striker's end! Mehidy looks to be in trouble. Is he run out? Let's find out...
18.53
Thisara Perera to Mahmudullah. Well fielded, Kusal Mendis! Saves a run for his side. Every run matters in a close run chase. A full length ball outside off, Mahmudullah hangs back and hammers it through cover-point. Kusal Mendis in the deep runs across to his left, puts in a valiant dive and pulls the ball back just before the rope. The umpire gets it checked upstairs and it's a clean one.
18.44
Thisara Perera to Mahmudullah. FOUR! Cheeky by Mahmudullah! Perera delivers a fuller length ball outside off, Mahmudullah shuffles across the stumps and neatly spoons it over short fine leg for a boundary. Vital, very vital boundary for Bangladesh!
18.32
Thisara Perera to Mahmudullah. Misses the yorker mark, a low full toss on off, Mahmudullah swings it in front of square leg and takes a single. Pressurizes the fielder there by looking for the second and the fielder misfields. Two runs added to the total. 19 off 9!
18.20
Thisara Perera to Mahmudullah. Excellent delivery this time. Too full and around off, once again a little shimmy by Mahmudullah as he tries to hit it through the line. Fails to make any connection.
18.12
Thisara Perera to Mahmudullah. Lucky to get away with this, Perera. A full toss around off, Mahmudullah shimmies down the track looking for a big shot but it takes the inside half of his blade and runs to deep mid-wicket. A couple taken.
Mehidy Hasan is the new batsman. Also a bowling change, skipper Thisara Perera to bowl the penultimate over.
End of Over : 186 RunsBAN: 137/6
17.6W
Isuru Udana to Shakib Al Hasan. OUT! Shakib holes out and the crowd has gone mad! They certainly know the value of this wicket. Let me tell you, Shakib will feel he is very unlucky to find the only fielder there in the deep. A full ball is on his pads and he whips it over backward square leg. Akila Dananjaya is placed exactly there and he makes no mistake. 23 needed off 12 balls!
17.51
Isuru Udana to Mahmudullah. Mishit but safe! Once again Mahmudullah tries forcing a full ball through covers by staying on the back foot. It takes the outside part of the blade and flies over backward point for one.
17.42
Isuru Udana to Mahmudullah. Fullish and outside off, Mahmudullah keeps his weight on the back leg and drives it through covers for a run.
17.31
Isuru Udana to Shakib Al Hasan. A low full toss around leg, Shakib sweeps it through backward square leg and the fielder at fine leg does well to make the stop in the deep. Only a single.
17.21
Isuru Udana to Mahmudullah. Sprays it full and way wide outside off, Mahmudullah reaches out for it and flashes his blade through the line. Connects but not exactly from the middle of the bat and it flies down to third man for a run.
Some change in the field. Mid off drops back and fine leg comes up.
17.11
Isuru Udana to Shakib Al Hasan. Good delivery, a near yorker around off, Shakib digs it out from the bottom half of his bat to mid-wicket. Collects a single.
Isuru Udana is brought into the attack.
End of Over : 1711 RunsBAN: 131/5
16.61
Jeevan Mendis to Shakib Al Hasan. Shakib uses his feet to force a full ball to long off for a run. 11 from the over, 29 needed off 18 balls.
16.51
Jeevan Mendis to Mahmudullah. Smart batting. Got a boundary off the previous ball and this time just nudges it in the gap at mid-wicket to rotate the strike. This is the experienced pair in the middle for Bangladesh.
16.46
Jeevan Mendis to Mahmudullah. SIX! Stunned silence in the stands. That's a clinical shot by Mahmudullah. He skips down the track to reach a fuller length ball and admonishes it over the bowler's head for a maximum. Clean as a whistle.
16.32
Jeevan Mendis to Mahmudullah. This one is dragged down and Mahmudullah eases it behind square leg for a couple of runs.
16.20
Jeevan Mendis to Mahmudullah. Left alone, interesting. A nicely flighted ball around off, spinning away, Mahmudullah watches it go without playing any shot.
16.11
Jeevan Mendis to Shakib Al Hasan. Flighted full ball around off, lofted over the bowler's head and it went on one bounce to the long off fielder. A single taken. 39 needed off 23 balls!
End of Over : 1610 RunsBAN: 120/5
15.62
Danushka Gunathilaka to Mahmudullah. Inside out shot from Mahmudullah. Lofts this over covers and comes back for two.
15.51
Danushka Gunathilaka to Shakib Al Hasan. Driven towards the mid on region. They pick up a single.
15.41
Danushka Gunathilaka to Mahmudullah. Short ball, Mahmudullah taps it through mid-wicket and they cross.
15.34
Danushka Gunathilaka to Mahmudullah. FOUR! Great drive. Gunathilaka darts this outside off, Mahmudullah fetches for it and drives it superbly through covers for a boundary.
15.21
Danushka Gunathilaka to Shakib Al Hasan. Shakib punches this towards mid on and gets one.
15.2wd
Danushka Gunathilaka to Shakib Al Hasan. Wide! The ball is way wide on the leg side but the batsman still goes after it. Wide signalled by the umpire.
15.10
Danushka Gunathilaka to Shakib Al Hasan. Outside off, Shakib fails to put bat on ball.
End of Over : 155 RunsBAN: 110/5
14.61
Jeevan Mendis to Shakib Al Hasan. The batsman has driven it through mid off. One run added to the total.
Shakib Al Hasan arrives to a big ovation.
14.5W
Jeevan Mendis to Soumya Sarkar. OUT! Bangladesh are losing wickets at quick intervals now. After Rahim fell they have lost two more post that. Not helping their own cause. Tossed up delivery, the ball holds up and the spins away from Sarkar. He comes down the track and plays at the wrong line and gets an outside edge to it. Kusal takes the catch after fumbling and even takes the bails off as he is not sure of the edge. Sarkar comes back inside but the umpire raises his finger for caught behind.
14.40
Jeevan Mendis to Soumya Sarkar. Sarkar opens the face of the bat and helps it to third man.
14.32
Jeevan Mendis to Soumya Sarkar. Sarkar whips this towards square leg for another two.
14.22
Jeevan Mendis to Soumya Sarkar. Sarkar leans forward and pushes this in the gap through covers for a brace.
14.10
Jeevan Mendis to Soumya Sarkar. Sarkar has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Mahmudullah walks in next. 55 needed off 36 balls. Jeevan Mendis is brought back into the attack as well.
End of Over : 145 RunsBAN: 105/4
13.6W
Danushka Gunathilaka to Tamim Iqbal. OUT! Great, great catch by Kusal Perera. Another superb effort behind the wickets. Gunathilaka serves a flighted full ball around off, spinning away a bit, Tamim advances down the track for a lofted shot over covers but fails to middle it properly. Takes a fine edge and hurries to the keeper. He fails to grab it first as the ball hits him on the left shoulder and pops in front of him. He, then, tries to catch but it once again bounces off his gloves this time, hits him on the grille of the helmet before settling down in his mitts. He doesn't bother to go for stumping, straightaway jumps in appeal and the finger has gone up as well. Massive setback to Bangladesh and the crowd in Colombo is going bonkers. What an atmosphere!
13.51
Danushka Gunathilaka to Soumya Sarkar. Walks down the track and pushes a full ball to long off for a run.
13.41
Danushka Gunathilaka to Tamim Iqbal. Fifty for Tamim Iqbal, his 5th in T20Is! Flighted ball outside off, Iqbal drills it through covers for a single. A vital knock by the southpaw but he needs to carry on.
13.31
Danushka Gunathilaka to Soumya Sarkar. Quicker one on middle, worked on the leg side for one.
13.22
Danushka Gunathilaka to Soumya Sarkar. Flatter ball outside off, fuller in length, Sarkar forces it through covers and collects a brace.
13.10
Danushka Gunathilaka to Soumya Sarkar. Gets back to a shortish ball and punches it on the off side, straight to the cover fielder.
End of Over : 135 RunsBAN: 100/3
12.61
Amila Aponso to Soumya Sarkar. Sarkar drives this through covers for one.
12.51
Amila Aponso to Tamim Iqbal. Driven through the covers by Tamim. One run added to the total.
12.41
Amila Aponso to Soumya Sarkar. Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. They pick up a single.
Soumya Sarkar walks in next as it continues to spit.
12.3W
Amila Aponso to Mushfiqur Rahim. OUT! Commentator's curse? Just as we were praising the way Bangladesh were going about their chase they lose a wicket. And it's of the man in red hot form. Mushfiqur Rahim. Aponso gives this air, Rahim charges down and looks to go over covers but hits it straight to Thisara stationed there. He hit it well and the ball was traveling, a very good catch by Perera who times his jump to perfection. Aponso does the snake dance while giving Rahim a send-off.
12.21
Amila Aponso to Tamim Iqbal. Tamim hits this towards mid on and gets one more. They are doing it well till now.
12.11
Amila Aponso to Mushfiqur Rahim. Rahim pushes this through mid off to get another run.
Amila Aponso comes in for another spell.
End of Over : 1210 RunsBAN: 95/2
11.66
Akila Dananjaya to Tamim Iqbal. SIX! Great short. Loopy ball, outside off, Tamim charges down and lofts it over mid off for a biggie.
11.52
Akila Dananjaya to Tamim Iqbal. Tamim dabs this towards square leg and gets couple for it.
11.5wd
Akila Dananjaya to Tamim Iqbal. Wide. Almost a clever stumping. Akila sees Tamim coming down and darts this outside off. Tamim gets back inside but it's a clear wide.
11.40
Akila Dananjaya to Tamim Iqbal. Three dot balls in a row now. Tamim drives it towards covers and a good stop there saves a run for his team.
11.30
Akila Dananjaya to Tamim Iqbal. Tamim has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
11.20
Akila Dananjaya to Tamim Iqbal. Tamim dances down the track but decides to defend it.
11.11
Akila Dananjaya to Mushfiqur Rahim. Rahim eases this through mid-wicket for another run.
Akila Dananjaya comes back into the attack. It has started to drizzle a bit as I type.
End of Over : 115 RunsBAN: 85/2
10.61
Jeevan Mendis to Mushfiqur Rahim. Driven through mid on by the batsman. One run added to the total.
10.51
Jeevan Mendis to Tamim Iqbal. Fifty partnership for these two. Tamim strokes his towards mid-wicket for one more.
10.40
Jeevan Mendis to Tamim Iqbal. Outside off, Tamim is late trying to work it to third man and the ball just misses his outside edge.
10.31
Jeevan Mendis to Mushfiqur Rahim. Rahim plays this towards mid-wicket and rotates strike. This single brings up 1000 T20I runs for him. He is going through a purple patch at the moment and Bangladesh would love his presence till the end of this run-chase.
10.21
Jeevan Mendis to Tamim Iqbal. The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.
10.11
Jeevan Mendis to Mushfiqur Rahim. Short ball, Rahim punches this towards mid on for a run.
End of Over : 108 RunsBAN: 80/2
9.61
Isuru Udana to Mushfiqur Rahim. Rahim opens the face of the bat and guides it to third man for one. Bangladesh are 80-2 after 10 overs.
9.51
Isuru Udana to Tamim Iqbal. Short ball, Tamim pulls this in front of square for a run.
9.40
Isuru Udana to Tamim Iqbal. Tamim delicately works it fine down the leg side.
9.31
Isuru Udana to Mushfiqur Rahim. Rahim plays it with an angled bat and guides it to third man. They pick up a single.
9.24
Isuru Udana to Mushfiqur Rahim. FOUR! Cut and cut hard. Outside off, Rahim cuts it over the backward point fielder for a boundary.
9.11
Isuru Udana to Tamim Iqbal. Back of a length ball, Tamim punches this off his back foot on the off side for one.
Another change. Isuru Udana is the seventh bowler to bowl now.
End of Over : 93 RunsBAN: 72/2
8.61
Jeevan Mendis to Tamim Iqbal. Pitched up, Tamim pushes it towards mid off for a run to end the over. Just three of it.
8.51
Jeevan Mendis to Mushfiqur Rahim. The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. One run added to the total.
8.41
Jeevan Mendis to Tamim Iqbal. Run out chance goes begging. Tamim drives this towards mid off and quickly moves to the other end. The fielder there collects it and has a shy at the stumps on the non-striker's end. Had he hit, Tamim was well short, even if Mendis had collected that, Tamim would have been a goner.
8.30
Jeevan Mendis to Tamim Iqbal. Straight in line of the stumps, Tamim gets behind it and blocks it.
8.20
Jeevan Mendis to Tamim Iqbal. Punched off the back foot by the batsman.
8.10
Jeevan Mendis to Tamim Iqbal. Full ball, Tamim hits it back to the bowler.
Jeevan Mendis to bowl now.
End of Over : 810 RunsBAN: 69/2
7.60
Akila Dananjaya to Mushfiqur Rahim. Rahim drives this to mid off for a dot.
7.51
Akila Dananjaya to Tamim Iqbal. The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. The batsmen have run through for a single.
7.46
Akila Dananjaya to Tamim Iqbal. SIX! Tossed up and Tamim charges down and plays an inside-out shot high over covers for half a dozen.
7.31
Akila Dananjaya to Mushfiqur Rahim. Bangladesh are switching ends well. Another run through mid-wicket.
7.21
Akila Dananjaya to Tamim Iqbal. Full again, Tamim drives this through mid off to rotate strike.
7.11
Akila Dananjaya to Mushfiqur Rahim. Floated ball, Rahim plays this through mid-wicket for one more.
Change of ends for Akila Dananjaya.
End of Over : 79 RunsBAN: 59/2
6.61
Danushka Gunathilaka to Mushfiqur Rahim. Rahim helps this towards mid-wicket to retain strike.
6.51
Danushka Gunathilaka to Tamim Iqbal. The batsman works it down the leg side. The batsmen have run through for a single.
6.40
Danushka Gunathilaka to Tamim Iqbal. Great piece of fielding from Gunathilaka. Bowls this full on middle, Tamim hits it to the bowler's right who dives to stop the runs.
6.4wd
Danushka Gunathilaka to Tamim Iqbal. Five Wides! Poor bowling from Gunathilaka! Strays this down the leg again. This time way too far for anyone to make contact. Darts this down and the ball races away to the fine leg boundary.
6.4wd
Danushka Gunathilaka to Tamim Iqbal. Wide. The batsman tries flicking a ball that is down the leg side. Wide signalled by the umpire.
6.30
Danushka Gunathilaka to Tamim Iqbal. On the pads of Tamim, who misses his flick and the ball hits him on the pads.
6.20
Danushka Gunathilaka to Tamim Iqbal. Outside off, Tamim guides it to the short third man fielder.
6.11
Danushka Gunathilaka to Mushfiqur Rahim. Tossed up, Rahim goes for the flick but gets a leading edge towards covers for one.
Danushka Gunathilaka to roll his arm now.
End of Over : 69 RunsBAN: 50/2
5.64
Thisara Perera to Tamim Iqbal. FOUR! Quality shot! Width on offer outside off, a bit on the shorter side, Tamim eases himself on the back foot and carves it through backward point for a boundary. 50/2 in the Powerplay, a decent beginning by Bangladesh.
5.51
Thisara Perera to Mushfiqur Rahim. The batsman guides it to third man. They pick up a single.
5.42
Thisara Perera to Mushfiqur Rahim. Almost an lbw, had he missed! A length ball around off, Rahim gets across the stumps and flicks it in front of square leg for a couple of runs.
5.31
Thisara Perera to Tamim Iqbal. Angling away from the batsman, on a length, Tamim stays back and dabs it down to third man for one.
5.20
Thisara Perera to Tamim Iqbal. Keeps it full and around off, Tamim strides forward in defense.
5.11
Thisara Perera to Mushfiqur Rahim. Fuller and straighter, Rahim helps it through mid-wicket and collects a run.
Thisara Perera to bowl now...
End of Over : 57 RunsBAN: 41/2
4.61
Amila Aponso to Mushfiqur Rahim. Bat on ball this time as Rahim tickles it in the gap at mid-wicket for a run.
4.50
Amila Aponso to Mushfiqur Rahim. Stifled appeal for an lbw! Quicker delivery, on middle and leg, Rahim fails to work it around and is hit on the pads. The bowler lets out a muted appeal knowing that would have missed the leg stump.
4.40
Amila Aponso to Mushfiqur Rahim. Rahim has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
4.34
Amila Aponso to Mushfiqur Rahim. FOUR! Fine shot! Tossed up ball around off, Rahim makes room, advances down the track and clobbers it over mid off for a cracking boundary.
4.22
Amila Aponso to Mushfiqur Rahim. Gets forward and flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple.
4.10
Amila Aponso to Mushfiqur Rahim. Flatter and outside off, played down to point.
End of Over : 48 RunsBAN: 34/2
3.61
Akila Dananjaya to Mushfiqur Rahim. Played to the mid-wicket region by the batsman. One run added to the total.
The batsman going through a purple patch, Mushfiqur Rahim arrives in the middle.
3.5W
Akila Dananjaya to Sabbir Rahman. OUT! Stumped and it's of the highest quality, I will tell you why... A well tossed up off spinner landing around off, Sabbir jumps out of the crease to flick but misses and the ball spins back in to hit him on the pads. Then it goes behind and in spite of the deflection and also being blindsighted for a moment, Kusal Perera manages to gather the ball and break the stumps. It's an excellent piece of stumping. On closer look in the replays, Kusal there didn't gather the ball cleanly but still managed to do the job. Hmm...still commendable given all that happened before the ball arrived to him. Sabbir's knock was good till it lasted. 127 needed off 97 balls!
3.40
Akila Dananjaya to Sabbir Rahman. Knocks a full ball down the ground but finds the mid on fielder.
3.34
Akila Dananjaya to Sabbir Rahman. FOUR! The move to send Sabbir at number 3 has worked so far. He brings out the reverse sweep and unfurls a nicely timed shot. Amila Aponso dives all over it at short third man and concedes a boundary. That's a dot ball which has gone for a four. Not what the Lankans want.
3.21
Akila Dananjaya to Tamim Iqbal. Quickish and full on off, Tamim leans forward to defend but it takes the inner half of the bat and rolls in front of square leg. A single is taken.
3.12
Akila Dananjaya to Tamim Iqbal. Turning into the batsman from around middle, on the shorter side, Tamim uses the depth of his crease and works it to the right of the fielder in the deep mid-wicket region. A couple taken.
End of Over : 37 RunsBAN: 26/1
2.60
Amila Aponso to Sabbir Rahman. Aponso doesn't believe in flighting. Arrows another one in, around off, Rahman leans forward, brings his bat in front of the pads and blocks.
2.51
Amila Aponso to Tamim Iqbal. Fires this one in, full and on middle, Tamim helps it through mid-wicket for a run.
Oh dear, this is not looking good. Nuwan Pradeep has not moved after going down and is clutching his hamstring. He is leaving the field and is not at all moving freely. Big blow to Sri Lanka if he ain't coming back to participate in this match.
2.44
Amila Aponso to Tamim Iqbal. FOUR! Deft from Tamim. He fetches a length ball from around leg and nudges it past short fine leg. Nuwan Pradeep tries chasing it from inside the ring but in the process has pulled his hamstring. He is down on ground as the ball speeds past the rope.
2.31
Amila Aponso to Sabbir Rahman. Played to the mid-wicket region by the batsman. One run added to the total.
2.20
Amila Aponso to Sabbir Rahman. Rahman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
2.11
Amila Aponso to Tamim Iqbal. Quicker one, full and on middle, 96 kph, it's tucked through mid-wicket for a run.
Amila Aponso is into the attack now.
End of Over : 29 RunsBAN: 19/1
1.64
Akila Dananjaya to Sabbir Rahman. FOUR! Sabbir has come out with a positive intent. Dananjaya drags his length short and bowls it wide outside off. Sabbir rocks back and punches it superbly through covers. 9 runs and a wicket from it!
1.54
Akila Dananjaya to Sabbir Rahman. FOUR! Nicely timed and placed. Flighted and full around middle and leg, Rahman kneels and sweeps it all along the ground through backward square leg. Sweet timing and it's a boundary.
Sabbir Rahman has been promoted up the order. Interesting move. They have tried him before in this position but without much success. Can he do it in this crunch game?
1.4W
Akila Dananjaya to Liton Das. OUT! Akila draws first blood! He serves a flighted full ball outside off, Das spots the mid off fielder inside the ring and tries to go over him. Fails to get proper connection and lofts it straight into the hands of Thisara Perera. He is not dropping those. Litton is disappointed. He should have done better there as the idea was right and there was enough width on offer too.
1.30
Akila Dananjaya to Liton Das. Tossed up ball on middle, Das plays the sweep shot but finds the short fine leg fielder.
1.21
Akila Dananjaya to Tamim Iqbal. Aerial but safe! Flatter and outside off, Tamim hammers it through the line, doesn't bother to keep it down and it whizzes to the deep. There is a fielder at long off and they cross.
1.10
Akila Dananjaya to Tamim Iqbal. Flighted full ball on middle and off, Tamim defends it by drawing forward.
Akila Dananjaya to bowl from the other end. A slip in place.
End of Over : 110 RunsBAN: 10/0
0.60
Nuwan Pradeep to Liton Das. Beaten! What a delivery! Out of nowhere. Has been poor all over and now produces a gem. Gets extra lift from a good length outside off, straightening off the seam, Das has a tame push inside the line and misses. 10 from the first over, a good foundation for Bangladesh.
0.6wd
Nuwan Pradeep to Liton Das. Wide! Poor over from Pradeep, this. Slides a full ball down the leg side, Liton tries flicking but misses.
0.51
Nuwan Pradeep to Tamim Iqbal. Clips a full ball off his pads but finds the mid-wicket fielder.
0.44
Nuwan Pradeep to Tamim Iqbal. FOUR! Lovely shot! Pradeep keeps his line straight and drops it on a length, Tamim unfurls a beautiful straight drive past the bowler. The mid on fielder has no chance.
0.30
Nuwan Pradeep to Tamim Iqbal. Slowness off the pitch is quite evident on this delivery. It's on a length outside off, Tamim is a bit early into the shot as he tries to punch it through covers. Gets a bottom edge as it rolls to mid-wicket.
0.24
Nuwan Pradeep to Tamim Iqbal. FOUR! This time he goes the aerial route. Latches onto a fuller length ball outside off and slices it over backward point. Not from the middle of the bat but it still races through to the fence.
0.10
Nuwan Pradeep to Tamim Iqbal. Short in length outside off, Tamim cracks it square of the wicket on the off side but finds the point fielder.
Back for the chase! Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das are the openers for Bangladesh. 160 in 120 legal balls, that's the target to reach the final. Nuwan Pradeep to begin proceedings. Here we go...
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Highlights And Cricket Score 6th Match - T20 Commentary
Great recovery from the hosts. After a very good start by Bangladesh they have just not put the right finishing touches. They dominated in the Powerplay picking up 4 wickets for just 35 runs. The Pereras then made sure Sri Lanka get past the 150-mark. Thisara and Kusal both got to their fifties to give their bowlers something to bowl at. Mehidy Hasan bowled well to give just 16 of his 4 overs and take a wicket. Strangely, Shakib bowled just the two overs and Nazmul Islam didn't even get the ball. Not the biggest of targets. If the visitors get off to a good start they can easily pull this off. Let's see how they go about it. Second innings in a while.
Rubel Hossain to Isuru Udana. Good comeback from Rubel after going for a boundary in the first over. Gets the yorker right, Udana plays it towards mid off and manages just a single. SRI LANKA END WITH 159/7 in their 20 overs.
Rubel Hossain to Akila Dananjaya. The batsman gets an inside edge and the ball hits him on the pads. One run added to the total.
Rubel Hossain to Isuru Udana. Right on the money, Udana hits it through covers for a single.
Rubel Hossain to Isuru Udana. Pitched up, Udana lofts it over mid on for a brace.
Rubel Hossain to Thisara Perera. OUT! Perera falls in the last over trying to up the ante. Slow ball around off, Thisara is early in his shot and the ball skies towards mid off. Tamim moves to his left from extra cover and takes a juggling catch. A well played innings comes to an end.
Rubel Hossain to Thisara Perera. FOUR! Goes for the yorker and gives a low full toss for Thisara who hits it over covers for a boundary. Great start to the over.
Soumya Sarkar to Thisara Perera. Another loft over mid on. Thisara will keep strike for the final over.
Soumya Sarkar to Thisara Perera. Wide. This one is down the leg side and the batsman leaves it alone. The umpire has signalled a wide.
Soumya Sarkar to Isuru Udana. In the air...but safe. Udana lofts this over mid on and comes back for the third as Mahmudullah slides near the rope to parry it towards his teammate who didn't read the game well.
Soumya Sarkar to Thisara Perera. Played to the point region by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Soumya Sarkar to Thisara Perera. SIX! Pitched up and Thisara lofts it over long on for a biggie. Sabbir Rahman the fielder there was ahead of the boundary line. He jumps for it but the ball is well over him. Had he been a bit behind, might have been a different story.
Isuru Udana is the new man in.
Soumya Sarkar to Kusal Perera. OUT! Finally a wicket for Bangladesh! The partnership is broken but has the damage been done? A change of bowling has done the trick. Slow ball outside off, Kusal reaches for it outside his off stump and hits it towards square leg. The ball takes an edge of the bat and skies towards deep square leg. Mehidy Hasan gets under it and takes a good catch.
Soumya Sarkar to Thisara Perera. On the pads of Thisara, who misses his flick and they steal a leg bye as the ball goes towards square leg.
Soumya Sarkar comes for his second over.
Rubel Hossain to Thisara Perera. Thisara drives this through covers for one.
Rubel Hossain to Thisara Perera. Driven to the covers by the batsman for a rare dot.
Rubel Hossain to Thisara Perera. Full this time, Thisara drives this in the gap through covers and a poor throw from the deep enables them to come back for the second.
Rubel Hossain to Thisara Perera. Drags his length back, Thisara pulls this towards square leg for a brace.
Rubel Hossain to Thisara Perera. FOUR! Pitched up ball, Thisara hits it hard towards long on for a boundary.
Rubel Hossain to Kusal Perera. Kusal guides it to third man. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Rubel Hossain comes back into the attack.
Mustafizur Rahman to Thisara Perera. Dot ball to end the over, but a very good one for the hosts. Slow ball outside off, Thisara misses his big shot.
Mustafizur Rahman to Thisara Perera. Bangs this short again, Thisara pulls this in front of square on the leg side for another two runs.
Mustafizur Rahman to Thisara Perera. SIX! Beautiful shot from Perera! Slow ball in line of the stumps, Thisara chips it over the bowler's head for a biggie.
Mustafizur Rahman to Thisara Perera. SIX! Short ball, Thisara well in control of the pull and hits it over deep square leg for the second maximum.
Mustafizur Rahman to Thisara Perera. Short ball, Thisara pulls this to square leg for a brace.
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Perera. Back of a length ball, Kusal tucks it through mid-wicket for one.
Mustafizur Rahman to bowl his last over.
Mahmudullah to Kusal Perera. The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total.
Mahmudullah to Thisara Perera. Back of a length ball, Thisara punches this towards mid on for a run.
Mahmudullah to Thisara Perera. Another couple of runs through mid-wicket. Thisara taps it there and charges back for two.
Mahmudullah to Kusal Perera. The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. They pick up a single.
Mahmudullah to Kusal Perera. FOUR! Great improvisation! Serves this on leg, Kusal reveres sweeps this through backward point for a boundary.
Mahmudullah to Kusal Perera. Kusal works this through mid-wicket and comes back for the second.
Soumya Sarkar to Kusal Perera. Driven towards the mid off region. They pick up a single.
Soumya Sarkar to Thisara Perera. Short ball, Thisara pushes this through mid on for one.
Soumya Sarkar to Thisara Perera. Back of a length ball, Thisara punches this off his back foot on the off for a couple.
Soumya Sarkar to Thisara Perera. Knuckle ball from Sarkar, outside off. Perera goes for a big heave but gets beaten.
Soumya Sarkar to Kusal Perera. Fifty for Kusal! Taps this towards mid-wicket and picks up a run. His 10th T20I fifty. He continues his rich vein of form.
Soumya Sarkar to Kusal Perera. FOUR! Interesting change of bowlers. Slow ball outside off, Kusal cuts it past point for a boundary. This brings up the fifty stand for the home team.
Soumya Sarkar comes in for his first over.
Mahmudullah to Kusal Perera. Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Mahmudullah to Kusal Perera. Short ball, Kusal gets a bottom edge to this and the ball goes to the bowler.
Mahmudullah to Kusal Perera. How did that miss the stump? Flat ball on his off pole, Kusal goes for the sweep and the ball just misses his off stump.
Mahmudullah to Kusal Perera. In the gap this time. Kusal plays this with soft hands through mid-wicket and comes back for the second.
Mahmudullah to Kusal Perera. Kusal hits this back to the bowler.
Mahmudullah to Thisara Perera. Flighted ball, Thisara works it through mid-wicket for one.
Mustafizur Rahman to Thisara Perera. Rahman bowls this short again. Perera flat bats this over mid off over a run.
Mustafizur Rahman to Thisara Perera. FOUR! Easy pickings for Thisara. Rahman digs this one short too. Perera makes room and hits it in the vacant deep backward point region for a boundary.
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Perera. The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Perera. FOUR! Follows the six with a boundary. Short again and this time outside off. Kusal flashes hard at it and the ball flies over backward point to the fence. 1000 T20I runs for the southpaw. He is playing a very important knock here. Taking his team out of troubled waters with this innings and partnership with Thisara. Also, he is now the quickest to this mark for Sri Lanka, taking 34 innings.
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Perera. SIX! Bangs this short and Kusal pulls it high and handsome over mid-wicket for the first maximum.
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Perera. Back of a length ball, Kusal plays it through mid-wicket and quickly comes back for the second.
The Fizz is back on to bowl. His figures for now are two overs, two wickets and just four runs.
Mehidy Hasan to Kusal Perera. Stays on the back foot and punches it down the ground for a run.
Mehidy Hasan to Kusal Perera. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Mehidy Hasan to Thisara Perera. Fires this one in, on middle, Thisara helps it to mid-wicket and crosses.
Mehidy Hasan to Thisara Perera. NOT OUT! Kusal has dived his way home. A shortish ball on middle, Thisara goes on the back foot and works it through mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep has to run across to collect the ball and seeing that the batsmen attempt for the second run. The fielder comes up with a direct hit at the bowler's end as Kusal dives in. They appeal and the umpire takes it upstairs. The replays roll in and it shows that the dive has saved KP! Sri Lanka can take a huge sigh of relief.
Run out appeal! Direct hits are always interesting. Seems touch and go at the non-striker's end. The umpire has referred it upstairs...
Mehidy Hasan to Thisara Perera. Flighted full ball on off, defended off the front foot.
Mehidy Hasan to Kusal Perera. The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. One run added to the total.
Rubel Hossain to Kusal Perera. Smart batting, gets a full ball around middle and tickles it to mid-wicket for a run.
Rubel Hossain to Kusal Perera. FOUR! Wow, even better. The bowler overpitches this time, over-correcting his length and it's on middle. Perera brings down a straight bat and creams it down the ground for a glorious boundary. Surely this is a better pitch than the scoreline suggests.
Rubel Hossain to Kusal Perera. FOUR! Excellent shot, by far the best of the match, so far. Rubel goes short and Kusal swivels on the back foot with the pull shot. Makes superb connection and sends it screaming to the deep backward square leg fence.
Rubel Hossain to Thisara Perera. Better this time. Calmly works a length ball to mid-wicket and takes a run.
Rubel Hossain to Thisara Perera. Another play and a miss outside off for Thisara. He needs to watch the ball before swinging his bat.
Rubel Hossain to Thisara Perera. Beaten! Full and outside off, Perera swishes and misses.
Rubel Hossain is into the attack.
Mahmudullah to Thisara Perera. Driven towards the mid off region. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Mahmudullah to Thisara Perera. On the pads of Perera who works it towards fine leg for a brace.
Mahmudullah to Kusal Perera. Another single through mid-wicket as Perera jogs to the other end.
Mahmudullah to Thisara Perera. The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Mahmudullah to Kusal Perera. NOT OUT! A WASTE of a review. Shakib gets too excited as wickets fall on the other end. Tossed up ball around off, Perera taps it through covers and moves to the other end. The bowler thinks that has hit him on the pad and consults his skipper. They decide to take it up. Replays show that the ball was nowhere close to the pad and has only come of the meat.
An appeal for LBW is taken up.
Mahmudullah to Kusal Perera. FOUR! Stop the press. A boundary for Sri Lanka. outside off, Perera cuts this through backward point for a much needed boundary.
Mehidy Hasan to Thisara Perera. Good end of the over. Perera covers his timber and defends it. Two runs and a wicket from it.
Mehidy Hasan to Thisara Perera. The batsman has driven it through mid off.
Mehidy Hasan to Thisara Perera. Perera plays this with soft hands and the ball goes to the fielder at point.
Mehidy Hasan to Kusal Perera. Around off, Perera pushes this through covers for one more.
Mehidy Hasan to Thisara Perera. Tossed up, Perera eases it to mid-wicket for a run.
Thisara Perera is next to bat.
Mehidy Hasan to Jeevan Mendis. OUT! Sri Lanka are losing wickets faster than they change their captains. Hasan gives this air around off. Mendis reaches for it and goes for the sweep. He sweeps this from the off and his bottom hand comes off the handle. The ball flies to short fine leg and Mustafizur Rahman gets under it and takes an easy catch. Mendis has to take the long walk back.
Mahmudullah to Jeevan Mendis. Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. They pick up a single.
Mahmudullah to Jeevan Mendis. Mendis punches this ball to the off.
Mahmudullah to Jeevan Mendis. That kept low. Mendis goes for the big sweep and the ball goes under his bat in the keeper's glove.
Mahmudullah to Jeevan Mendis. Quicker again, Mendis gets behind the ball and blocks it.
Mahmudullah to Jeevan Mendis. Wide. The ball is way wide on the leg side but the batsman still goes after it. The umpire signals a wide.
Mahmudullah to Kusal Perera. Darts this around leg, Perera taps it around the corner and gives his partner the strike.
Mahmudullah to Jeevan Mendis. Around off, Mendis gets an edge towards backward point for one.
Mahmudullah is into the attack.
Mehidy Hasan to Jeevan Mendis. A touch flatter this time, length remains full, Jeevan opens the face of the bat and places his shot through point for a run.
Mehidy Hasan to Jeevan Mendis. Strides forward to a loopy full ball again and pushes it with gentle hands to covers. Not in the gap.
Mehidy Hasan to Jeevan Mendis. Slower through the air this time, tossed up and landing full on middle, Jeevan lunges and defends it back.
Mehidy Hasan to Kusal Perera. Flatter and shorter, on middle, Kusal gets deep inside the crease and strokes it through covers for one.
Mehidy Hasan to Kusal Perera. A late cut on this occasion but he finds the fielder at backward point.
Mehidy Hasan to Kusal Perera. Shortish around off, holding up a bit, Perera gets back and mistimes his punch to covers.
Slight halt in play. Seems something has gone in Perera's eyes. He is washing his face. Wearing a helmet can help him a bit too, not completely though in this case.
Mustafizur Rahman to Jeevan Mendis. Straying down the pads of Mendis, he misses his flick and the ball hits his pad and runs past the keeper. They pick up two runs for it. End of the Powerplay, Bangladesh clearly dominating the play. Sri Lanka are 35-4 and have lost their cream.
Mustafizur Rahman to Jeevan Mendis. Wide. Unusual bounce. Too high to worry the batsman! Wide signalled by the umpire.
Mustafizur Rahman to Jeevan Mendis. Length again, Mendis blocks this from the crease.
Jeevan Mendis joins Perera in the middle.
Mustafizur Rahman to Dasun Shanaka. OUT! In comes Shanaka and out he goes. Two wickets in an over for Bangladesh. Rahman serves this on a good length in the line of the stumps, the ball angles after pitching and moves away from Shanaka. He is tentative in his shot and gets a faint edge on it. The ball settles in the gloves of Rahman. And the Men in Green are all smiles. Shanaka won't even need a shower after this.
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Perera. Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. They pick up a single.
Dasun Shanaka walks in next.
Mustafizur Rahman to Upul Tharanga. OUT! Big mix-up and Tharanga is well short of his mark. This is a big blow for the hosts and a rather soft one. Back of a length ball, Tharanga tucks it away to mid-wicket. Perera doesn't look where the ball is and takes off. Mehidy Hasan the fielder there, picks it up and runs with the ball towards the non-striker's end. Tharanga responds to his partner's call and goes for the run. Hasan gives the ball to the bowler and he completes the formalities. Tharanga is not even in the picture and the umpire raises his finger without even going upstairs.
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Perera. Serves this on leg stump, Perera taps it to square leg and runs towards the other end.
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Perera. Wide. The ball is down the leg side but the batsman still goes after it. The umpire signals a wide.
Mehidy Hasan to Upul Tharanga. FOUR! Flat outside off, Tharanga rocks back and cuts it perfectly in the gap between backward point and point for a boundary.
Mehidy Hasan to Upul Tharanga. On middle stump, Tharanga hits it back to the bowler.
Mehidy Hasan to Upul Tharanga. Loopy ball and pitched it on middle. The ball holds a bit and moves away from Tharanga who gets beaten by the spin. The keeper takes the bails off but Upul is safely inside.
Mehidy Hasan to Kusal Perera. Darts this on middle stump. Perera makes room and drives it through covers for one more.
Mehidy Hasan to Upul Tharanga. Quicker again on the pads of Tharanga, who flicks it off his pads to square leg to rotate strike.
Mehidy Hasan to Kusal Perera. Fires this outside off, Perera cuts it to backward point and goes to the other end.
Upul Tharanga is the new batsman. Change in bowling as well, Mehidy Hasan to bowl his off spinners.
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis. OUT! The batsman in form has departed! This is a big blow to Sri Lanka. Rahman with the breakthrough. Once again he holds his pace back and length too, Mendis opts to pull but fails to get proper timing on it. Ends up chipping it towards Sarkar at mid-wicket who leaps a bit and catches the ball safely over his head. Kusal Mendis failed to get going today, played a few mistimed shots earlier also but was lucky not to get out then. Bangladesh are ecstatic, what a start for them in the Powerplay!
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis. A quick off cutter, says Manjrekar on air, gets good grip and it curves away a bit after landing around off, Mendis pushes inside the line and misses.
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis. Back of a length ball around off, Mendis is on the back foot and chops it down to point.
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis. Keeps bowling on a length outside off, Mendis this time remains on the back foot and taps it down to point.
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Mendis. Play and a miss! Once again Rahman serves it on a length and offers width outside off, Mendis throws his bat at it but fails to connect.
Mustafizur Rahman to Kusal Perera. Angling down the leg side, on a good length, Perera fails to flick and it goes off his thigh pad to short fine leg. They steal a leg bye.
Mustafizur Rahman comes into the attack now.
Shakib Al Hasan to Kusal Mendis. Fuller this time, Mendis plays it for the mid-wicket fielder to collect.
Shakib Al Hasan to Kusal Mendis. Flatter ball on the off, Mendis cuts it to the fielder at point.
Shakib Al Hasan to Kusal Perera. The batsman has driven it through mid on. They pick up a single.
Shakib Al Hasan to Kusal Perera. FOUR! Very good looking shot. Short again, around off, Perera gives room and cracks it through the cover-point region for a boundary.
Shakib Al Hasan to Kusal Mendis. Short ball outside off, Mendis goes back and punches it on the off side for a single.
Kusal Perera is the new batsman in.
Shakib Al Hasan to Danushka Gunathilaka. OUT! There goes the first wicket! And the man back from injury strikes. He gets a wicket in his second over itself. Slower ball, in the line of the stumps, Gunathilaka goes for the big slog sweep but doesn't connect well enough. The ball hits the bottom half of the bat and skies straight up in the air. Sabbir Rahman runs from the boundary line (at long on) to his right and gets under it to take a very good catch near long off. He made it look easy but these are very difficult to take under the lights. The Bangladeshis are delighted as they join him in celebration.
Rubel Hossain to Kusal Mendis. FOUR! A boundary to end the over. Overpitched ball on middle and leg. Mendis works it through mid-wicket in the gap. The fielder from mid on hares behind it but only comes second best.
Rubel Hossain to Kusal Mendis. FOUR! Short ball and Mendis goes for a flat-batted shot. He doesn't time it well though. The fielder at mid off looked interested for a moment but it goes over him for the first boundary.
Rubel Hossain to Kusal Mendis. Length in line of the stumps, Mendis stays back and blocks it.
Rubel Hossain to Danushka Gunathilaka. Around off, Gunathilaka works it around the corner and picks up a run.
Rubel Hossain to Danushka Gunathilaka. NOT OUT! Length outside off, Gunathilaka cuts it behind backward point and picks up a couple of runs. The fielder has a shy at the non-striker's end as Mendis was jogging back. The bowler takes the bails out. The umpire doesn't take a chance and goes upstairs. Replays show that Mendis was well in.
An appeal for a run out has been referred upstairs. Bangladesh don't look excited. Let's see.
Rubel Hossain to Kusal Mendis. Comes steaming in and plays it towards mid-wicket for one.
Rubel Hossain will bowl from the other end.
Shakib Al Hasan to Kusal Mendis. Outside off, Mendis drives this through covers and quickly moves to the other end for a quick single. The fielder there has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses his aim.
Shakib Al Hasan to Kusal Mendis. Darts this quicker in line of the stumps, Mendis is happy to play it back to the bowler.
Shakib Al Hasan to Kusal Mendis. Wide. Tosses this down the leg and Mendis goes for the flick but misses. Wide signallad by the umpire.
Shakib Al Hasan to Danushka Gunathilaka. First run on the board. Bowls this a bit short, Gunathilaka rocks back and punches this through mid off for a run.
Shakib Al Hasan to Danushka Gunathilaka. Good start for Shakib. Three dots in a row. Flatter ball, around off, Gunathilaka cuts it to the fielder at point.
Shakib Al Hasan to Danushka Gunathilaka. Fuller this time, Gunathilaka leans forward and drives this to mid off for nothing.
Shakib Al Hasan to Danushka Gunathilaka. Starts off with a loopy ball around off, Gunathilaka gets behind the ball and defends it.
The Sri Lankan pair of Danushka Gunathilaka and Kusal Mendis have made their way in the middle. The fielders have taken their positions. Shakib Al Hasan will bowl with the new ball. A slip in place. Here we go...
The players have made their way out for their respective national anthems. We are not far away from the start of play.
Sri Lanka have made two changes to their side - Amila Aponso and Isuru Udana come in for Suranga Lakmal and Dushmantha Chameera. The visitors, on the other side, have made just one change. Abu Hider makes way for skipper Shakib Al Hasan.
Thisara Perera, the Sri Lankan skipper says that he is happy to bat first as he feels that the pitch is a bit slow. States that they want to put on a big score and then defend it. Further adds that they have taken positives from the previous games and are up for this crunch game.
Shakib Al Hasan says it is a good wicket and reckons that it will remain the same for 40 overs. Continues saying that they would like to restrict the Lankans and then chase down the total. On his injury, he replies that he is fit but just lacks match practice.
TOSS - Shakib Al Hasan calls tails, and tails it is! Bangladesh will bowl first!
PITCH REPORT - Brett Lee is in the middle for the pitch report. He says that it is a beautiful wicket and looks like a belter. He adds by saying that there is a good cover of grass but very few cracks. He feels that it is a good pitch for batting and the ball will come nicely to the bat. Ends by saying that 180-190 should be a good score.
Hello and welcome to a virtual semi-final clash between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Remember the first match between these two teams in this series? Yes, Mushfiqur Rahim's blitz and cobra dance flash in our minds. The visitors will be confident coming into this game even though they lost their last game against India. Also, with the return of Shakib Al Hasan, there will be a different vibe in the dressing room. The hosts, on the flip side, after an 'upset' win over India never managed to cross the finish line post that. An important game for both as the winner meets India in the final. Promises to be a cracker.
Time to draw the curtain on this action-packed game. The final is on Sunday. Unfortunately, the home team won't play a part in it but India vs Bangladesh also promises to be a cracking game. Do join us at 1330 GMT (1900 local) for all the action. Cheers!
Shakib Al Hasan, the winning skipper, says that the match was filled with a lot of drama. Feels that they were lucky to win the game and credits Sri Lanka for their recovery. On his batting, he says that he just wanted to give Mahmudullah the strike and is all praise for him for the way he played in the last five overs. On the argument, he says that his emotions got the better of him as there was excitement and also confusion. Adds that the Sri Lankans are their good friends off the pitch. Ends by saying that he is looking forward for the final as they have the momentum but is aware of the fact that India are a very good team.
Thisara Perera, the Sri Lankan skipper, states that the whole team is disappointed but thanks the crowd for the support. On the target, he feels that they were 10-15 runs short. Ends by saying that he is happy for the youngsters as they are looking promising.
Man of the Match, Mahmudullah, says that he rates this as one of his best innings. He adds that a win was needed for them and with Shakib back in the squad it boosted their confidence. On his batting, he answers that his plan was to watch the ball well and hit it hard. He continues and says that he got nervous when Rahim got out but got confidence from his partners. On the last over scenes, he replies that this happens sometimes and it all is a part of the game.
Tamim Iqbal is down with Russel Arnold for a chat. He says that they all are very emotional after the win. On being asked about the argument, he replies that their players were only confused about the no-ball decision not given by the umpire. Adds that the Sri Lankans are their good friends and this won't cause a rift between them. About the finish, he feels that Mahmudullah kept his cool and is out of words to describe the end. On his knock, he states that he should have stayed longer and finished the game as he was set. Ends by saying that it was a good team effort and the plans were well executed.
In spite of losing Liton Das early, Bangladesh kept themselves on track by maintaining a good rate. The partnership between Tamim and Shakib was very crucial in the context of the game. Sri Lanka did manage to take this game close by picking wickets and bowling tidily. Jeevan Mendis, Amila Aponso and Danushka Gunathilaka left their mark but the other bowlers failed to hold their composure towards the end. They dearly missed the service of Nuwan Pradeep who hurt his hamstring and didn't bowl a single over. Mahmudullah was the real star, playing a stunning knock and showed his class. Tension, pressure, nerves, emotions - Mahmudullah controlled all and hit 12 runs off three balls after the ugly onfield incident to steer his team in the final.
It was a great game of Twenty20! Sri Lanka started on a false note by losing the cream of their batting inside the Powerplay. Kusal Perera and Thisara Perera then joined forces to start the revival and courtesy their 97-run stand, Sri Lanka managed to claw back. Some late hitting by Thisara powered them to a total which many considered to be challenging, if not winning.
What a thrilling game! Pressure and tension mounted towards the end and have to say, a calm and composed Mahmudullah did an outstanding job to see his side through to the final. Thisara Perera experiences his 8th loss as a captain, an unwanted 100 percent losing record. The home side will be deeply disappointed. They won't be in the final of a tri-series which is organized to celebrate their 70th year of independence.
Isuru Udana to Mahmudullah. SIX! OUT OF HERE! MAHMUDULLAH HAS DONE IT! BANGLADESH ARE IN THE FINAL! Pin-drop silence in the stadium. The only noise you will hear is of a bunch of Bangladeshi boys all pumped up. Udana delivers it full and on the leg stump, Mahmudullah picks it off his pads and dismisses it over deep square leg for a maximum. Boy, terrific scenes out there, the whole of the Bangladesh dressing room is out there, jumping and hugging each other. Aahhh...here comes the cobra dance now. These lads are all charged up. Oh, hang on, some altercation again between the players from both sides. Courtney Walsh, the coach with his specs on, is trying to control his players, looking a bit like a school teacher. Calm down guys, it's just a game of cricket.
Isuru Udana to Mahmudullah. Nearly a run out! Fuller and on middle, Mahmudullah clips it through square leg and returns for the risky second run. The keeper gathers the ball and tries to deflect it onto the stumps. Misses it and Mahmudullah makes it safely. Could have been touch and go.
Isuru Udana to Mahmudullah. FOUR! Mahmudullah, you beauty! All the pressure and tension and he has played an outstanding shot. Latches onto a fuller length ball outside off and powers it over covers for a boundary.
The word we are getting is that the square leg umpire called the last ball a no ball initially for the second bouncer but then changed his decision (since he didn't signal one for the over after the first ball) which got a few Bangladeshi players worked up. It all led to the incident mentioned below. Anyway, it seems that sanity has prevailed now. Mahmudullah is still on the field. Shakib climbs the stairs and goes in the dressing room. He is very angry. Good part is that we will continue with this match.
Rubel Hossain is the new batsman. Things heating up there as Tharanga pushed one of the Bangladesh substitute players who was out there serving water to Mahmudullah. It has not gone down well with Shakib Al Hasan who is fuming at the boundary line. Wait, he is calling back his batsmen! The match officials are now getting involved but Shakib ain't agreeing. He wants his batsmen off the ground. Not looking good.
Isuru Udana to Mustafizur Rahman. OUT! Rahman is run out! Another shorter length ball around off, Mustafizur tries to pull but misses. This time Mahmudullah wants to steal a bye and calls his partner. The keeper parries it to the bowler who breaks the stumps. It's referred upstairs and the replays find Rahman short.
A run out appeal this time is referred upstairs. It's all happening out there. Sri Lanka are looking very confident.
Isuru Udana to Mustafizur Rahman. Safe! Nothing in the replays. Udana digs in a short ball around middle and leg, Rahman tries to hook but misses. They appeal but nothing from the umpire. Sri Lanka want to opt for the DRS. The replays come but it finds nothing.
DRS time! Appeal for a caught behind. Not given and it's referred by Sri Lanka.
12 needed off 6 balls. Mustafizur Rahman has joined Mahmudullah in the middle and he will be on strike. Who is bowling this pressure over? It's Isuru Udana.
Thisara Perera to Mehidy Hasan. OUT! Hasan has to depart! He drives a full ball to mid off and scampers across to the other end. Shanaka picks up the ball and scores a direct hit at the bowler's end. The umpire goes upstairs and the replays show that Hasan is short of the crease. Another wicket falls and the worst part for Bangladesh is that Mahmudullah won't be on strike for the next over.
Direct hit at the non-striker's end! Mehidy looks to be in trouble. Is he run out? Let's find out...
Thisara Perera to Mahmudullah. Well fielded, Kusal Mendis! Saves a run for his side. Every run matters in a close run chase. A full length ball outside off, Mahmudullah hangs back and hammers it through cover-point. Kusal Mendis in the deep runs across to his left, puts in a valiant dive and pulls the ball back just before the rope. The umpire gets it checked upstairs and it's a clean one.
Thisara Perera to Mahmudullah. FOUR! Cheeky by Mahmudullah! Perera delivers a fuller length ball outside off, Mahmudullah shuffles across the stumps and neatly spoons it over short fine leg for a boundary. Vital, very vital boundary for Bangladesh!
Thisara Perera to Mahmudullah. Misses the yorker mark, a low full toss on off, Mahmudullah swings it in front of square leg and takes a single. Pressurizes the fielder there by looking for the second and the fielder misfields. Two runs added to the total. 19 off 9!
Thisara Perera to Mahmudullah. Excellent delivery this time. Too full and around off, once again a little shimmy by Mahmudullah as he tries to hit it through the line. Fails to make any connection.
Thisara Perera to Mahmudullah. Lucky to get away with this, Perera. A full toss around off, Mahmudullah shimmies down the track looking for a big shot but it takes the inside half of his blade and runs to deep mid-wicket. A couple taken.
Mehidy Hasan is the new batsman. Also a bowling change, skipper Thisara Perera to bowl the penultimate over.
Isuru Udana to Shakib Al Hasan. OUT! Shakib holes out and the crowd has gone mad! They certainly know the value of this wicket. Let me tell you, Shakib will feel he is very unlucky to find the only fielder there in the deep. A full ball is on his pads and he whips it over backward square leg. Akila Dananjaya is placed exactly there and he makes no mistake. 23 needed off 12 balls!
Isuru Udana to Mahmudullah. Mishit but safe! Once again Mahmudullah tries forcing a full ball through covers by staying on the back foot. It takes the outside part of the blade and flies over backward point for one.
Isuru Udana to Mahmudullah. Fullish and outside off, Mahmudullah keeps his weight on the back leg and drives it through covers for a run.
Isuru Udana to Shakib Al Hasan. A low full toss around leg, Shakib sweeps it through backward square leg and the fielder at fine leg does well to make the stop in the deep. Only a single.
Isuru Udana to Mahmudullah. Sprays it full and way wide outside off, Mahmudullah reaches out for it and flashes his blade through the line. Connects but not exactly from the middle of the bat and it flies down to third man for a run.
Some change in the field. Mid off drops back and fine leg comes up.
Isuru Udana to Shakib Al Hasan. Good delivery, a near yorker around off, Shakib digs it out from the bottom half of his bat to mid-wicket. Collects a single.
Isuru Udana is brought into the attack.
Jeevan Mendis to Shakib Al Hasan. Shakib uses his feet to force a full ball to long off for a run. 11 from the over, 29 needed off 18 balls.
Jeevan Mendis to Mahmudullah. Smart batting. Got a boundary off the previous ball and this time just nudges it in the gap at mid-wicket to rotate the strike. This is the experienced pair in the middle for Bangladesh.
Jeevan Mendis to Mahmudullah. SIX! Stunned silence in the stands. That's a clinical shot by Mahmudullah. He skips down the track to reach a fuller length ball and admonishes it over the bowler's head for a maximum. Clean as a whistle.
Jeevan Mendis to Mahmudullah. This one is dragged down and Mahmudullah eases it behind square leg for a couple of runs.
Jeevan Mendis to Mahmudullah. Left alone, interesting. A nicely flighted ball around off, spinning away, Mahmudullah watches it go without playing any shot.
Jeevan Mendis to Shakib Al Hasan. Flighted full ball around off, lofted over the bowler's head and it went on one bounce to the long off fielder. A single taken. 39 needed off 23 balls!
Danushka Gunathilaka to Mahmudullah. Inside out shot from Mahmudullah. Lofts this over covers and comes back for two.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Shakib Al Hasan. Driven towards the mid on region. They pick up a single.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Mahmudullah. Short ball, Mahmudullah taps it through mid-wicket and they cross.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Mahmudullah. FOUR! Great drive. Gunathilaka darts this outside off, Mahmudullah fetches for it and drives it superbly through covers for a boundary.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Shakib Al Hasan. Shakib punches this towards mid on and gets one.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Shakib Al Hasan. Wide! The ball is way wide on the leg side but the batsman still goes after it. Wide signalled by the umpire.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Shakib Al Hasan. Outside off, Shakib fails to put bat on ball.
Jeevan Mendis to Shakib Al Hasan. The batsman has driven it through mid off. One run added to the total.
Shakib Al Hasan arrives to a big ovation.
Jeevan Mendis to Soumya Sarkar. OUT! Bangladesh are losing wickets at quick intervals now. After Rahim fell they have lost two more post that. Not helping their own cause. Tossed up delivery, the ball holds up and the spins away from Sarkar. He comes down the track and plays at the wrong line and gets an outside edge to it. Kusal takes the catch after fumbling and even takes the bails off as he is not sure of the edge. Sarkar comes back inside but the umpire raises his finger for caught behind.
Jeevan Mendis to Soumya Sarkar. Sarkar opens the face of the bat and helps it to third man.
Jeevan Mendis to Soumya Sarkar. Sarkar whips this towards square leg for another two.
Jeevan Mendis to Soumya Sarkar. Sarkar leans forward and pushes this in the gap through covers for a brace.
Jeevan Mendis to Soumya Sarkar. Sarkar has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Mahmudullah walks in next. 55 needed off 36 balls. Jeevan Mendis is brought back into the attack as well.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Tamim Iqbal. OUT! Great, great catch by Kusal Perera. Another superb effort behind the wickets. Gunathilaka serves a flighted full ball around off, spinning away a bit, Tamim advances down the track for a lofted shot over covers but fails to middle it properly. Takes a fine edge and hurries to the keeper. He fails to grab it first as the ball hits him on the left shoulder and pops in front of him. He, then, tries to catch but it once again bounces off his gloves this time, hits him on the grille of the helmet before settling down in his mitts. He doesn't bother to go for stumping, straightaway jumps in appeal and the finger has gone up as well. Massive setback to Bangladesh and the crowd in Colombo is going bonkers. What an atmosphere!
Danushka Gunathilaka to Soumya Sarkar. Walks down the track and pushes a full ball to long off for a run.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Tamim Iqbal. Fifty for Tamim Iqbal, his 5th in T20Is! Flighted ball outside off, Iqbal drills it through covers for a single. A vital knock by the southpaw but he needs to carry on.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Soumya Sarkar. Quicker one on middle, worked on the leg side for one.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Soumya Sarkar. Flatter ball outside off, fuller in length, Sarkar forces it through covers and collects a brace.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Soumya Sarkar. Gets back to a shortish ball and punches it on the off side, straight to the cover fielder.
Amila Aponso to Soumya Sarkar. Sarkar drives this through covers for one.
Amila Aponso to Tamim Iqbal. Driven through the covers by Tamim. One run added to the total.
Amila Aponso to Soumya Sarkar. Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. They pick up a single.
Soumya Sarkar walks in next as it continues to spit.
Amila Aponso to Mushfiqur Rahim. OUT! Commentator's curse? Just as we were praising the way Bangladesh were going about their chase they lose a wicket. And it's of the man in red hot form. Mushfiqur Rahim. Aponso gives this air, Rahim charges down and looks to go over covers but hits it straight to Thisara stationed there. He hit it well and the ball was traveling, a very good catch by Perera who times his jump to perfection. Aponso does the snake dance while giving Rahim a send-off.
Amila Aponso to Tamim Iqbal. Tamim hits this towards mid on and gets one more. They are doing it well till now.
Amila Aponso to Mushfiqur Rahim. Rahim pushes this through mid off to get another run.
Amila Aponso comes in for another spell.
Akila Dananjaya to Tamim Iqbal. SIX! Great short. Loopy ball, outside off, Tamim charges down and lofts it over mid off for a biggie.
Akila Dananjaya to Tamim Iqbal. Tamim dabs this towards square leg and gets couple for it.
Akila Dananjaya to Tamim Iqbal. Wide. Almost a clever stumping. Akila sees Tamim coming down and darts this outside off. Tamim gets back inside but it's a clear wide.
Akila Dananjaya to Tamim Iqbal. Three dot balls in a row now. Tamim drives it towards covers and a good stop there saves a run for his team.
Akila Dananjaya to Tamim Iqbal. Tamim has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Akila Dananjaya to Tamim Iqbal. Tamim dances down the track but decides to defend it.
Akila Dananjaya to Mushfiqur Rahim. Rahim eases this through mid-wicket for another run.
Akila Dananjaya comes back into the attack. It has started to drizzle a bit as I type.
Jeevan Mendis to Mushfiqur Rahim. Driven through mid on by the batsman. One run added to the total.
Jeevan Mendis to Tamim Iqbal. Fifty partnership for these two. Tamim strokes his towards mid-wicket for one more.
Jeevan Mendis to Tamim Iqbal. Outside off, Tamim is late trying to work it to third man and the ball just misses his outside edge.
Jeevan Mendis to Mushfiqur Rahim. Rahim plays this towards mid-wicket and rotates strike. This single brings up 1000 T20I runs for him. He is going through a purple patch at the moment and Bangladesh would love his presence till the end of this run-chase.
Jeevan Mendis to Tamim Iqbal. The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.
Jeevan Mendis to Mushfiqur Rahim. Short ball, Rahim punches this towards mid on for a run.
Isuru Udana to Mushfiqur Rahim. Rahim opens the face of the bat and guides it to third man for one. Bangladesh are 80-2 after 10 overs.
Isuru Udana to Tamim Iqbal. Short ball, Tamim pulls this in front of square for a run.
Isuru Udana to Tamim Iqbal. Tamim delicately works it fine down the leg side.
Isuru Udana to Mushfiqur Rahim. Rahim plays it with an angled bat and guides it to third man. They pick up a single.
Isuru Udana to Mushfiqur Rahim. FOUR! Cut and cut hard. Outside off, Rahim cuts it over the backward point fielder for a boundary.
Isuru Udana to Tamim Iqbal. Back of a length ball, Tamim punches this off his back foot on the off side for one.
Another change. Isuru Udana is the seventh bowler to bowl now.
Jeevan Mendis to Tamim Iqbal. Pitched up, Tamim pushes it towards mid off for a run to end the over. Just three of it.
Jeevan Mendis to Mushfiqur Rahim. The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. One run added to the total.
Jeevan Mendis to Tamim Iqbal. Run out chance goes begging. Tamim drives this towards mid off and quickly moves to the other end. The fielder there collects it and has a shy at the stumps on the non-striker's end. Had he hit, Tamim was well short, even if Mendis had collected that, Tamim would have been a goner.
Jeevan Mendis to Tamim Iqbal. Straight in line of the stumps, Tamim gets behind it and blocks it.
Jeevan Mendis to Tamim Iqbal. Punched off the back foot by the batsman.
Jeevan Mendis to Tamim Iqbal. Full ball, Tamim hits it back to the bowler.
Jeevan Mendis to bowl now.
Akila Dananjaya to Mushfiqur Rahim. Rahim drives this to mid off for a dot.
Akila Dananjaya to Tamim Iqbal. The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Akila Dananjaya to Tamim Iqbal. SIX! Tossed up and Tamim charges down and plays an inside-out shot high over covers for half a dozen.
Akila Dananjaya to Mushfiqur Rahim. Bangladesh are switching ends well. Another run through mid-wicket.
Akila Dananjaya to Tamim Iqbal. Full again, Tamim drives this through mid off to rotate strike.
Akila Dananjaya to Mushfiqur Rahim. Floated ball, Rahim plays this through mid-wicket for one more.
Change of ends for Akila Dananjaya.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Mushfiqur Rahim. Rahim helps this towards mid-wicket to retain strike.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Tamim Iqbal. The batsman works it down the leg side. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Tamim Iqbal. Great piece of fielding from Gunathilaka. Bowls this full on middle, Tamim hits it to the bowler's right who dives to stop the runs.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Tamim Iqbal. Five Wides! Poor bowling from Gunathilaka! Strays this down the leg again. This time way too far for anyone to make contact. Darts this down and the ball races away to the fine leg boundary.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Tamim Iqbal. Wide. The batsman tries flicking a ball that is down the leg side. Wide signalled by the umpire.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Tamim Iqbal. On the pads of Tamim, who misses his flick and the ball hits him on the pads.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Tamim Iqbal. Outside off, Tamim guides it to the short third man fielder.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Mushfiqur Rahim. Tossed up, Rahim goes for the flick but gets a leading edge towards covers for one.
Danushka Gunathilaka to roll his arm now.
Thisara Perera to Tamim Iqbal. FOUR! Quality shot! Width on offer outside off, a bit on the shorter side, Tamim eases himself on the back foot and carves it through backward point for a boundary. 50/2 in the Powerplay, a decent beginning by Bangladesh.
Thisara Perera to Mushfiqur Rahim. The batsman guides it to third man. They pick up a single.
Thisara Perera to Mushfiqur Rahim. Almost an lbw, had he missed! A length ball around off, Rahim gets across the stumps and flicks it in front of square leg for a couple of runs.
Thisara Perera to Tamim Iqbal. Angling away from the batsman, on a length, Tamim stays back and dabs it down to third man for one.
Thisara Perera to Tamim Iqbal. Keeps it full and around off, Tamim strides forward in defense.
Thisara Perera to Mushfiqur Rahim. Fuller and straighter, Rahim helps it through mid-wicket and collects a run.
Thisara Perera to bowl now...
Amila Aponso to Mushfiqur Rahim. Bat on ball this time as Rahim tickles it in the gap at mid-wicket for a run.
Amila Aponso to Mushfiqur Rahim. Stifled appeal for an lbw! Quicker delivery, on middle and leg, Rahim fails to work it around and is hit on the pads. The bowler lets out a muted appeal knowing that would have missed the leg stump.
Amila Aponso to Mushfiqur Rahim. Rahim has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Amila Aponso to Mushfiqur Rahim. FOUR! Fine shot! Tossed up ball around off, Rahim makes room, advances down the track and clobbers it over mid off for a cracking boundary.
Amila Aponso to Mushfiqur Rahim. Gets forward and flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple.
Amila Aponso to Mushfiqur Rahim. Flatter and outside off, played down to point.
Akila Dananjaya to Mushfiqur Rahim. Played to the mid-wicket region by the batsman. One run added to the total.
The batsman going through a purple patch, Mushfiqur Rahim arrives in the middle.
Akila Dananjaya to Sabbir Rahman. OUT! Stumped and it's of the highest quality, I will tell you why... A well tossed up off spinner landing around off, Sabbir jumps out of the crease to flick but misses and the ball spins back in to hit him on the pads. Then it goes behind and in spite of the deflection and also being blindsighted for a moment, Kusal Perera manages to gather the ball and break the stumps. It's an excellent piece of stumping. On closer look in the replays, Kusal there didn't gather the ball cleanly but still managed to do the job. Hmm...still commendable given all that happened before the ball arrived to him. Sabbir's knock was good till it lasted. 127 needed off 97 balls!
Akila Dananjaya to Sabbir Rahman. Knocks a full ball down the ground but finds the mid on fielder.
Akila Dananjaya to Sabbir Rahman. FOUR! The move to send Sabbir at number 3 has worked so far. He brings out the reverse sweep and unfurls a nicely timed shot. Amila Aponso dives all over it at short third man and concedes a boundary. That's a dot ball which has gone for a four. Not what the Lankans want.
Akila Dananjaya to Tamim Iqbal. Quickish and full on off, Tamim leans forward to defend but it takes the inner half of the bat and rolls in front of square leg. A single is taken.
Akila Dananjaya to Tamim Iqbal. Turning into the batsman from around middle, on the shorter side, Tamim uses the depth of his crease and works it to the right of the fielder in the deep mid-wicket region. A couple taken.
Amila Aponso to Sabbir Rahman. Aponso doesn't believe in flighting. Arrows another one in, around off, Rahman leans forward, brings his bat in front of the pads and blocks.
Amila Aponso to Tamim Iqbal. Fires this one in, full and on middle, Tamim helps it through mid-wicket for a run.
Oh dear, this is not looking good. Nuwan Pradeep has not moved after going down and is clutching his hamstring. He is leaving the field and is not at all moving freely. Big blow to Sri Lanka if he ain't coming back to participate in this match.
Amila Aponso to Tamim Iqbal. FOUR! Deft from Tamim. He fetches a length ball from around leg and nudges it past short fine leg. Nuwan Pradeep tries chasing it from inside the ring but in the process has pulled his hamstring. He is down on ground as the ball speeds past the rope.
Amila Aponso to Sabbir Rahman. Played to the mid-wicket region by the batsman. One run added to the total.
Amila Aponso to Sabbir Rahman. Rahman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Amila Aponso to Tamim Iqbal. Quicker one, full and on middle, 96 kph, it's tucked through mid-wicket for a run.
Amila Aponso is into the attack now.
Akila Dananjaya to Sabbir Rahman. FOUR! Sabbir has come out with a positive intent. Dananjaya drags his length short and bowls it wide outside off. Sabbir rocks back and punches it superbly through covers. 9 runs and a wicket from it!
Akila Dananjaya to Sabbir Rahman. FOUR! Nicely timed and placed. Flighted and full around middle and leg, Rahman kneels and sweeps it all along the ground through backward square leg. Sweet timing and it's a boundary.
Sabbir Rahman has been promoted up the order. Interesting move. They have tried him before in this position but without much success. Can he do it in this crunch game?
Akila Dananjaya to Liton Das. OUT! Akila draws first blood! He serves a flighted full ball outside off, Das spots the mid off fielder inside the ring and tries to go over him. Fails to get proper connection and lofts it straight into the hands of Thisara Perera. He is not dropping those. Litton is disappointed. He should have done better there as the idea was right and there was enough width on offer too.
Akila Dananjaya to Liton Das. Tossed up ball on middle, Das plays the sweep shot but finds the short fine leg fielder.
Akila Dananjaya to Tamim Iqbal. Aerial but safe! Flatter and outside off, Tamim hammers it through the line, doesn't bother to keep it down and it whizzes to the deep. There is a fielder at long off and they cross.
Akila Dananjaya to Tamim Iqbal. Flighted full ball on middle and off, Tamim defends it by drawing forward.
Akila Dananjaya to bowl from the other end. A slip in place.
Nuwan Pradeep to Liton Das. Beaten! What a delivery! Out of nowhere. Has been poor all over and now produces a gem. Gets extra lift from a good length outside off, straightening off the seam, Das has a tame push inside the line and misses. 10 from the first over, a good foundation for Bangladesh.
Nuwan Pradeep to Liton Das. Wide! Poor over from Pradeep, this. Slides a full ball down the leg side, Liton tries flicking but misses.
Nuwan Pradeep to Tamim Iqbal. Clips a full ball off his pads but finds the mid-wicket fielder.
Nuwan Pradeep to Tamim Iqbal. FOUR! Lovely shot! Pradeep keeps his line straight and drops it on a length, Tamim unfurls a beautiful straight drive past the bowler. The mid on fielder has no chance.
Nuwan Pradeep to Tamim Iqbal. Slowness off the pitch is quite evident on this delivery. It's on a length outside off, Tamim is a bit early into the shot as he tries to punch it through covers. Gets a bottom edge as it rolls to mid-wicket.
Nuwan Pradeep to Tamim Iqbal. FOUR! This time he goes the aerial route. Latches onto a fuller length ball outside off and slices it over backward point. Not from the middle of the bat but it still races through to the fence.
Nuwan Pradeep to Tamim Iqbal. Short in length outside off, Tamim cracks it square of the wicket on the off side but finds the point fielder.
Back for the chase! Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das are the openers for Bangladesh. 160 in 120 legal balls, that's the target to reach the final. Nuwan Pradeep to begin proceedings. Here we go...