‘I have played good enough cricket to deliver’ – Dasun Shanaka reflects on Sri Lanka’s performance following win against Bangladesh

Dasun Shanaka. (Photo Source: WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)

Sri Lanka continues to assert its dominance in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023. The side faced off against Bangladesh in the Super Four stage of the competition and put forth a brilliant performance. It is worth noting that Sri Lanka and Bangladesh faced each other at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday, September 9. 

Ahead of their clash against India, it was the performance of the bowlers that helped Sri Lanka win the game against Bangladesh. Skipper Dasun Shanaka picked up three wickets alongside Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana, who took three wickets as well. 

The excellent showing from the bowlers helped Sri Lanka defend a target of 258 runs and propelled them to a 21-run victory. After the win, skipper Shanaka took centre stage and reflected on Sri Lanka’s performance. He talked about the injuries to the frontline bowlers and opined on how the other players chipped in during their absence. 

“Bangladesh bowlers bowled really well, especially Hasan Mahmud. So I thought if I hit the seam, it could work. And I delivered. When there’s no frontline bowlers, someone needs to chip in. Normally Kasun and Maheesh deliver at the top. But Maheesh delivered at the end. It’s a matter of time, I have played good enough cricket to deliver. Kusal and Sadeera read the wicket really well and played accordingly,” Shanaka was quoted as saying by IndiaToday. 

Towhid Hridoy’s knock in vain as Bangladesh slip

Sri Lanka got off to a good start to their clash against Bangladesh as Pathum Nissanka scored 40 runs in 60 balls in the top order. Furthermore, Kusal Mendis scored 50, with Sadeera Samarawickrama adding 93 runs in 72 deliveries. In the first innings, Sri Lanka posted 257 runs on the board, and as they aimed to defend the target, the bowlers did just what they had to do. 

Bangladesh got off to a lacklustre start to the run chase as Mohammad Naim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz were sent packing for 21 and 28 runs, respectively. Furthermore, after the top order’s failure, Towhid Hridoy played a brilliant knock, scoring 82 runs in 97 deliveries. However, Sri Lanka’s bowling attack was too much to handle for Bangladesh, and they lost the game by 21 runs.