By the end of 12 overs of Sri Lanka’s innings, they were 90 for 4, needing 82 runs from 48 balls. The required rate is 10.25
Charith Asalanka had batted beautifully up to now, but the other end was vulnerable. After losing three wickets in quick succession, Batsman at the other end Bhanuka Rajapaksa had scored 6 off 9. This was slowly getting out of hand for Sri Lanka.
Then these four overs happened, which change the game.
13th Over
Captain Mahmudulla brings in right arm off break bowler Afif Hossain to bowl the 13th over with two left handers in the crease.
12.1 – Rajapaksa steps down the ground and goes inside-out over extra cover for his 1st SIX.
After scoring a double in the next ball, Bhanuka goes for another big hit.
12.3 – Bhanuka slogs this one behind square leg. Liton Das, the man involved in the spat with Lahiru Kumara earlier in the match runs in but DROPS it – Ball goes for FOUR.. Bangladesh make their 1st error in the field.
Sri Lanka score 15 runs of the 13th over – Required rate drops to 9.57 – game on..
14th Over
Saiffuddin has the ball in hand. Bhanuka is struggling in the middle, looks like fatigue or Dehydration. There a slight pause as Bhanuka is looked into by the physio.
Ready to resume, this time Mahmudulla has the ball in hand.
13.2 – Asalanka goes down the track and smacks the Bangladesh captain for a SIX down the ground.
13.4 – Asalanka goes again. A slog sweep this time, not timed perfectly but the ball sails over the rope, for another SIX.
16 off the 14th over, Now the required rate is down to 8.50..
6 overs to go. Mustafizur has 3 and Shakib has 2 over left. 5 off the 6 remaining overs are supposed to be bowled by the specialist – Not so good news for Sri Lanka.
Mustafizur to go first – taking 10 off this man’s overs is going to be tough.
15th over
14.3 – Asalanka lofts this one towards sweeper cover. Liton Das again runs in from the deep and the ball goes through his fingers – 2nd DROP ! Both batsmen have now had a lifeline as BD make their 2nd mistake in the field.
Sri Lanka only score 5 off that over – but most importantly, partnership unbroken..
Saifuddin is back with the ball. Where is Shakib? Captain is probably worried to bowl Shakib, having two left handers at the crease.
16th Over
We are treated to a Rajapaksa show as Bhanuka takes on Saifuddin…
15.1 – SIX
15.2 – SIX
15.3 – FOUR
15.4 – ONE
15.5 – ONE
15.6 – FOUR
Bhanuka Rajapaksa scores 21 off the 22 scored of that over – 30 runs required from 30 balls now. The Game is all but over.