ISLAMABAD: Middle-order batter Charith Asalanka’s superb knock of 108 guided Sri Lanka to a decent total of 279 in the ICC World Cup match being played in Delhi, India, on Monday. The match between the two sides also became a historic one after witnessing the first-ever timed-out dismissal in international cricket (men/women).
Earlier, such indents happened, but in first-class cricket. This incident occurred with Angelo Mathews, who after coming out for batting, found his helmet was not working properly. Accordingly, someone from the dugout brought him the fresh helmet but a bit late (not within 3 minutes). As a result, he was dismissed as timed-out.
Earlier, after winning the toss, Bangladesh invited Sri Lanka to bat first on a batting paradise. Sri Lanka lost their first wicket quickly when Mushfiqur Rahim took a stunning catch of Kusal Perera while diving towards the first slip on 4 runs. He was replaced by the skipper Mendis who along with Nissanka, took the inning to 66 for 1 in the 12th over. However, Mendis was dismissed by Shakib on 19.
In the next over, Tanzim Hasan also removed the other set batter, Nissanka, on 41 runs. Meanwhile, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka managed to spend time on the crease and added crucial 63 runs for the side. In the 25th over, when the score reached 135, Shakib got the wicket of Sadeera Samarawickrama on 41.
Meanwhile, the game witnessed a dramatic turn when Angelo Mathews came to the crease. After coming to the ground, Methews found his helmet strap had some issues. He requested the umpire for extra time to replace his helmet. The replacement was made but not before the 3 minutes. As a result, he was dismissed as timed-out. The incident raised eyebrows and received some positive and negative responses from cricket experts on social media.
Meanwhile, on the other hand, Asalanka continued to build his inning and completed his half-century. He was accompanied by the number seven batter, Dhananjaya de Silva, who added 34 runs to the total before he got out Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Both batters shared 88 runs partnership for the team. At the stage, Sri Lanka were 213 for 6 in 38 overs. Despite dismissals with interval, Asalanka remained solid and took his inning ahead. When he reached 91, Sri Lanka lost the wicket of Maheesh Theekshana who scored 22 on 31 balls.
Meanwhile, Asalanka completed his terrific hundred on 101 balls to take his side to a decent total. His century inning included 4 sixes and 6 boundaries. He was dismissed by Tanzim Hasan on 108 in the 49th over. Tanzim managed to get another wicket on the last ball of his over. Sri Lanka managed to score 279 all out in 49.3 overs.
From Bangladesh, Tanzim Hasan Sakib took 3 wickets. Shakib Al Hasan and Shoriful Islam got two wickets each, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz grabbed one wicket.
Sri Lanka Team
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (c), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha and Dilshan Madushanka
Bangladesh Team
Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam
