Sri Lanka, batting first, set a target of 124 runs. Despite a shaky start, they managed to post a competitive score thanks to crucial contributions from their middle-order batsmen. However, Bangladesh’s bowlers kept the pressure on, with Taskin Ahmed and Shakib Al Hasan leading the attack to restrict Sri Lanka’s score (Hindustan Times) (Sportskeeda).
Chasing 125 for victory, Bangladesh faced an early collapse, losing wickets at regular intervals. The Sri Lankan bowlers capitalized on this, making it difficult for Bangladesh to settle. But Mahmudullah played a pivotal role, anchoring the innings and ensuring he stayed till the end. His composed 16 off 13 balls, along with crucial lower-order partnerships, guided Bangladesh to a nail-biting finish. The decisive moment came in the final over, with Mahmudullah hitting the winning runs to secure a win for Bangladesh with an over to spare (Hindustan Times).
This victory is significant for Bangladesh as it marks their first win in the tournament, earning them vital points in their group stage campaign. For Sri Lanka, despite the loss, there were positives to take away, particularly their bowling performance, which kept them in contention till the very end (Hindustan Times) (Sportskeeda).
The match was a classic example of the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where fortunes can change rapidly, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the last ball. Both teams will look to build on their performances as they progress in the tournament.