DHAKA: Sri Lanka clinched a 28-run victory against Bangladesh in the third T20I, securing a series-winning 2-1 triumph, in Sylhet on Saturday. Defending a target of 175, Sri Lanka dismissed Bangladesh for 146 in 19.4 overs, with Nuwan Thushara claiming a five-wicket haul. Wanindu Hasaranga also contributed with two dismissals for Sri Lanka. Rishad Hossain’s 53-run knock for Bangladesh went in vain as it couldn’t steer them to victory.
Kusal Mendis’s impressive innings of 86 runs off 55 balls propelled Sri Lanka to a total of 174/7 in 20 overs. The wicketkeeper showcased stunning batting form, hitting six fours and six sixes.
Sri Lanka made a pointed gesture towards Bangladesh during their celebrations, reminding them of the controversial time-out incident from the World Cup. This incident involved Sri Lanka’s Angelo Matthews being timed out after his helmet strap broke, with Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan refusing to withdraw his appeal. The veteran Mathews became the first player in the 146-year history of major international cricket to be timed out in this fashion.
During the trophy presentation, all Sri Lankan players, including Mathews, posed with one hand at their wrist.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed dissatisfaction with Sri Lanka’s celebrations. In his post-match statement, he said, “There is nothing to handle aggressively when it comes to this. I think they are yet to move on from the timed out dismissal. They should move on and stay in the present since we didn’t do anything outside the rules of cricket. I think they are making a fuss of it, but we are not worried about it.”
Sri Lanka assistant coach Naveed Nawaz commented, “I think we have moved on from that timed-out incident. I think it was a celebration which was misunderstood at that time. It was during the heat of the game. Both teams should forget about it.”
He added, “I think both teams play really hard. The atmosphere is really nice. They all give their 100%. Sometimes emotions come into the middle. The players are all very friendly outside the boundary line. They fight really hard once they are inside the ground. I think that’s what the game is all about. As long as you maintain discipline in the middle and play really hard, and then cross the boundary line and be good to each other, that’s what both teams are expected to do.”
