Bangladesh faced Sri Lanka in a do-or-die match at the R.Premadasa Stadium. Bangladesh stormed into the final by sealing the nail-biting match with a 2-wicket victory.

The Tigers were relieved to have their ace all-rounder and captain, Shakib AL Hasan, back in the team after almost two months. Kusal Mendis also started for the island nation.

Shakib replaced Abu Hider Rony in the Bangladeshi XI. Suranga Lakmal and Dushmanta Chameera were replaced by Isuru Udana and Amila Aponso.

Winning the toss, Bangladesh decided to bowl first. Shakib opened the bowling for the Tigers and got a wicket in his very 2nd over by dismissing Danushka Gunathilaka.

The next over saw Mustafiz produce a wicket-maiden. The Bangladesh quick sent Kusal Mendis back to the hut on 11 runs. Bangladesh did not have to wait longer for another wicket as Upul Tharanga fell victim to a run-out. Following Upul's exit, Shanaka got out for a duck.

Kusal Perera and Thisara Perera restored the innings by stitching a good partnership for Sri Lanka. Both of them stood firm in front of the Bangladesh bowling attack and picked up a well-deserved half-century each. Their 97-run partnership is the second-highest sixth-wicket partnership in T20Is after Cameron White and Mike Hussey's unbeaten stand of101 runs against Sri Lanka in 2010.

Kusal clubbed 61 off 40 before leaving the pitch. Rubel Hossain got his only wicket in the match by dismissing Thisara on 58.

Bangladesh also stumbled in the beginning after losing two quick wickets. Liton Das, who gave Bangladesh a flying start in their win against Sri Lanka in this tournament, got dismissed for a duck. Sabbir was out scoring 13 runs and both wickets were bagged by Akila Dananajaya.

Tamim and Mushfiq then provided stability to Bangladesh by sharing a 64-run partnership. Mushfiq was out on 28 runs by Amila.

Tamim picked up a half-century in this format after two years and got out by Gunathilaka on 50 runs. Soumya could not manage to score more than 10 runs before Jeevan dismissed him.

Shakib made 7 runs before Udana scalped his wicket. Following his exit, Bangladesh lost 2 more wickets and both were run outs. Bangladesh needed 12 runs off the last 4 balls but Mahmudullah sealed the match with by hitting an over-boundary and with 1 ball remaining. He remained unbeaten after his magnificent innings of 43 off 18.

 

Score:

SL - 159/7 (20 overs)