DHAKA, May 25, 2021 (BSS) — Mushfiqur Rahim hit his eighth century as Bangladesh compiled 246 before being all out in 48.1 overs in a rain interrupted second ODI against Sri Lanka at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.
The rain halted the game twice before Mushfiqur, who helped Bangladesh recover from a shaky start, scored his century.
The wicket-keeper batsman was the last batsman to be out after hammering 127 ball-125, the included 10 fours.
Rain arrived firstly when Bangladesh was on 196-7 in 41.1 overs and delayed the game for 25 minutes. Later just two overs after the game, rain again arrived to interrupt the proceedings with the Tigers at 213-7.
Bangladesh, aiming for an unassailable 2-0 lead, won the toss for the second consecutive time in the series but failed to capitalize on. The Sri Lanka pacers utilized the early moisture of the wicket well to swing the ball in both ways, which was difficult for the Bangladesh top order to deal with.
Skipper Tamim Iqbal struck pacer Isuru Udana boundary twice in the first over to indicate a good start but fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera spoiled it.
His vicious inswinger accounted for both Tamim and Shakib in the space of three balls in the second over, leaving Bangladesh 15-2. Chameera reviewed his leg-before wicket appeal against Tamim, who scored 13, successfully to overturn the umpire’s decision. Later he got Shakib for naught via leg-before also.
Out of form Liton Das struggled to make 25 off 42, with two fours before left-arm spinner Lakshan Sandakan got the better of him with a delivery that turned sharply.
Mushfiqur thereafter resisted. Mosaddek Hossain first gave him the support before he was out on 10.
With Sri Lanka in full control, Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah added 93-run for the fifth wicket to help Bangladesh bounce back.
Mushfiqur, who scored 84 in the first game to help Bangladesh win the match by 33 runs, reached his second half-century with a slog-sweep for two off 70 balls.
Mahmudullah who scored 54 in the previous match, also was on the verge of his second straight fifty but his premeditated paddle sweep cost his wicket as he was 41 off 58 with one four and two sixes.
Afif Hossain found early boundaries as Bangladesh was looking to pace the innings.
Udana however cut short his innings while leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga’s google undid Mehidy Hasan Miraz, leaving Mushfiqur alone to fight for the side.
Mushfiqur was on 84 and 96 respectively when the rain halted the game twice.
However as the weather permitted, Mushfiqur Rahim soon found his deserving century with a glance towards fine leg for boundary off 114 balls.
The wickets though tumbled at the other end, his big shots made sure that Bangladesh would get a fighting total.
Chameera and Sandakan claimed three wickets apiece for Sri Lanka while Isuru Udana snared two.