Kunal: "Sri Lanka are at least 50 runs above par considering how difficult it gets to bat in the second innings here." --- This may very well be another classic Khettarama low-scoring thriller, but I can't imagine this score being anywhere close to above par. Sri Lanka will need to bowl very well if they are to restrict Bangladesh.
Orup Ovilashi: "While batting, Charitha Asalanka stayed on the pitch for almost 43 overs in an ODI. Not only great skill with the bat, you have to be physically very fit to play this type of innings."
Rayen: "4s were there for the taking for Hasaranga and Asalanka due to the cramps and weather conditions. Instead Hasaranga went aerial and perished, leaving Asalanka stranded. And for no reason, Asalanka was never in a mood to attack and have folded for 244 when everything was on their favour. Now Bangladesh can try to chase this down and are back in the game."
6.33pm So Sri Lanka are bowled out for 244, and you have to say its advantage Bangladesh. Even with the wicket not being as quick as expected, Sri Lanka would have wanted at least 275 to feel in control, but Bangladesh stuck to their plans and forced mistakes out of the hosts. Charith Asalanka fought valiantly with his 106, batting well through the middle overs, but those early strikes and Sri Lanka's long tail meant Sri Lanka had little margin for error. Bangladesh struggled with heat and cramps, but they will be proud of a disciplined effort in difficult conditions.
E Malinga run out 4 (19m 10b 0x4 0x6) SR: 40
KIC Asalanka c Najmul Hossain Shanto b Tanzim Hasan Sakib 106 (201m 123b 6x4 4x6) SR: 86.17
Akindu: "The innings is clearly still favourable to Bangladesh, but i reckon theyll feel like theyve given at least 20 30 too many after an amazing start"
END OF OVER:49 | 5 Runs | SL: 243/8 | RR: 4.95
- Eshan Malinga4 (10b)
- Charith Asalanka106 (122b)
- Taskin Ahmed10-2-47-4
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib9-0-44-2
Azeem Buhary: "@Umair, Should he trademark the "Captain Consistent" title?"
So Bangladesh will be penalised for the slow over rate. One less fielder in the outfield for the next over.
No effort to shield strike here by Asalanka. Definitely of the every run counts mentality here.
END OF OVER:48 | 6 Runs | SL: 238/8 | RR: 4.95
- Charith Asalanka102 (119b)
- Eshan Malinga3 (7b)
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib9-0-44-2
- Najmul Hossain Shanto4-0-32-1
Umair: "100 for Captain Consistent. What a player!"
Asalanka on 99....
END OF OVER:47 | 4 Runs | SL: 232/8 | RR: 4.93
- Charith Asalanka99 (116b)
- Eshan Malinga1 (4b)
- Najmul Hossain Shanto4-0-32-1
- Taskin Ahmed9-2-42-4
AL Nurain : "Looks like it's going to be mighty difficult to chase 250. Pitch has slowed down considerably. Will it quicken up under lights?" --- Yeah. Dew and lights will be key
END OF OVER:46 | 2 Runs 2 Wkts | SL: 228/8 | RR: 4.95
- Eshan Malinga0 (2b)
- Charith Asalanka96 (112b)
- Taskin Ahmed9-2-42-4
- Tanvir Islam10-0-44-1
Azeem Buhary: "Having following Cricinfo for decades, I really love the newly introduced "Scoring Breakdown" section. A dashboard with a crisp match summary." --- Wish I could personally take credit, but on behalf the team we're glad you're enjoying the experience.
M Theekshana c Jaker Ali b Taskin Ahmed 1 (2m 2b 0x4 0x6) SR: 50
Aruna: "What is the newly introduced "shot clock"?" --- One minute clock between overs. If you fall foul of it three times it's a 5-run penalty.
