In an electrifying World Cup showdown at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Shakib Al Hasan’s remarkable all-round performance guided Bangladesh to a nail-biting three-wicket victory, subsequently knocking Sri Lanka out of the tournament.
Shakib proved his mettle by contributing with both bat and ball, returning figures of 2 for 57 before playing a sublime innings of 82 runs off 65 balls in a challenging 280-run chase. This memorable triumph marked Bangladesh’s first-ever victory over Sri Lanka in an ODI World Cup, securing their advancement in the competition.
The match took place amid challenging conditions, with severe air pollution in Delhi, where Charith Asalanka scored his second ODI hundred and Angelo Mathews created history by becoming the first player to be ‘timed out’ in international cricket.
During the chase, Tanzid Hasan provided a promising start for Bangladesh with back-to-back boundaries, but the left-arm seamer, Dilshan Madushanka, struck back, dismissing both openers. Najmul Hossain Shanto (90) and Shakib’s partnership of 169 runs for the third wicket was pivotal, serving as Bangladesh’s first century stand in this World Cup, and laying the foundation for their successful run-chase.
Shakib, who was dropped by Asalanka when he was at 8, made Sri Lanka pay for the missed opportunity, scoring a remarkable fifty off just 47 balls. Shanto’s steady contribution, reaching his fifty off 58 balls, ensured that Bangladesh maintained the required run rate. Mathews eventually dismissed Shakib, but Mahmudullah’s 22 off 23 and Towhid Hridoy’s 15* off 7 ultimately steered Bangladesh to victory.
Choosing to bowl first, Bangladesh made a strong start by dismissing Kusal Perera in the very first over. However, Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka steadied the ship with a 61-run partnership, before Shakib claimed both their wickets.
Sri Lanka experienced another period of recovery through Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka’s 63-run stand for the fourth wicket. Asalanka, who scored a century off 101 balls, was the standout performer. However, controversy arose when Mathews was ‘timed out’ after his helmet strap broke, not consulting with Shakib, the opposition captain.
Despite a valiant effort from Asalanka and a brief partnership with Dhananjaya de Silva, Sri Lanka was bowled out for 279 in the penultimate over, setting the stage for Bangladesh’s thrilling victory.
In a match filled with ups and downs, Shakib Al Hasan’s exceptional performance will be remembered as he single-handedly led Bangladesh to a historic win, eliminating Sri Lanka from the World Cup.
Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
@Cricket Betting Tips
