DHAKA, July 17, 2018 (BSS) – An all-round performance from Ariful Haque saw Bangladesh A team manage a nerve-wrecking two-runs victory over visiting Sri Lanka A team in the first unofficial ODI of the three-match series held today at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet.
Chasing a massive winning target of 281-runs set by Bangladesh, Sri Lanka stared their chase quite confidently but they eventually fell short as they were all out for 278 in 50 overs, despite a fighting knock from Dasun Shanaka (78).
Ashan Priyanjan (42), Lahiru Thirimanne (29), Shammu Ashan (28), Thisara Perera (22), Shehan Madushanka (21) and Shehan Jayasuriya (20) contributed for Sri Lanka but failed to build any effective partnership to chase the total.
Khaled Ahmed caused the major damage as he grabbed four Sri Lankan’s wicket conceding 72 runs. He was well supported by Shariful Islam who bagged three for 54.
Besides, Ariful Haque, after is brilliant batting display, was also able to shine with the ball as he captured two Sri Lankan wickets for 42 runs. He was later named the player of the match for his impressive all-round performance.
Earlier, Mizanur Rahman and Fazle Mahmud slammed a brilliant half centuries as Bangladesh A posted a challenging total of 280 for 7 from their allotted 50 overs, after they were asked to bat first by Sri Lanka.
Opener Mizanur top scored with a patient knock of 67-run off 107-ball laced with four boundaries and three over boundaries while Fazle contributed 59-run off 63-ball studded with two boundaries and equal number of over boundaries.
Fazle also shared 95-run for the fourth wicket stand with his skipper Mohammad Mithun who chipped away run-a-ball 44-run that included five boundaries.
Later, Ariful Haque blasted 22-ball off 47 helped Bangladesh to set a challenging target for Bangladesh. Ariful hammered three boundaries and four over boundaries during his devastating batting knocks.
Pushpakumara, Perera, Jayasuriya, Shanaka and Madushanka all shared one Bangladesh’s wicket each.
The second match between the two sides will be held on Thursday (July 19) at the same venue.