Photo : Collected
Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka hit his sixth ODI ton and Charith Asalanka missed out on his century but helped to get their side over the line in a three-wicket win in the second ODI of the three-match series against Bangladesh in Chattogram on Friday (15 March).
The win levelled the series 1-1, with the third ODI turning out to be the decider on Monday at the same venue.
Nissanka and Asalanka laid the foundation for Sri Lanka's successful chase of 287 with a 185-run fourth-wicket stand after the Lankans lost three early wickets for 49 runs after seven overs. Nissanka smashed 13 fours and three sixes for his 113-ball 114, while Asalanka, who was line for his ton, fell after scoring a 93-ball 91 laced with four maximums and six fours.
The duo, however, left the job undone and the situation got nervy for the visitors. But Sri Lanka's hero with the ball, leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, came out with attacking intent and smashed two sixes and a four for a 16-ball 25-run knock to settle the nerves and take his side to the brink of a win. Meanwhile, Dunith Wellalage played a steady hand with an unbeaten 26-ball 15 to take the Lankans over line line.
Earlier, Bangladesh batters Towhid Hridoy and Soumya Sarker hit contrasting fifties to propel the Tigers to 286 for seven after they were put into bat first.
Messenger/Sumon
