Asia Cup: Bangladesh's Win Over Sri Lanka Will Boost Confidence, Says Mashrafe Mortaza
Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka by 23 runs, largely thanks to a whirlwind innings from Sabbir Rahman, who scored a 54-ball 80, as Bangladesh powered to 147 for seven. Sri Lanka after a good start could only manage 124 for eight in 20 overs.
Admitting that Bangladesh have always struggled in Twenty20 International matches, captain Mashrafe Mortaza said that Sunday's win over defending champions Sri Lanka would boost their confidence going forward in the Asia Cup Twenty20 cricket tournament. (Sabbir Rahman Helps Bangladesh Stun Sri Lanka)
"In T20, we have always struggled a bit. This was a good win for us, going forward in the tournament," said Mortaza.
Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka by 23 runs, largely thanks to a whirlwind innings from Sabbir Rahman, who scored a 54-ball 80, as Bangladesh powered to 147 for seven.
The Lankans got off to a flyer thanks to Dinesh Chandimal (37) and Shehan Jayasuriya (26) and raced to 52 in seven overs. But their chase fell by the wayside as they lost wickets at regular intervals and in the end could only manage 124 for eight in 20 overs.
"The wicket was pretty good to bat on. With the 147 we scored, we can still fight it out. After a couple of catches missed, we stood up and did our best," he said.
"The wicket was on the slow side today. Shakib played a big role along with Mahmudullah, but Sabbir was brilliant."
Man-of-the-match Sabbir Rahman said, "It was a good opportunity to come in early. I just rotated the strike and played to my strengths."
A disappointed Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews rued that his side lost their way after a good start while chasing 148 for a win.
"We could have just milked it around after we got the initial start. We just lost our way, and once we hit that 12-runs-an-over mark, we just kept losing wickets," he said.
"Credit to Bangladesh for bowling and fielding well. We could have taken better options, but we kept losing wickets through the middle section," he added.
"We have to be patient, it's a learning curve for all of us. It will be hard work, we'll need to beat India and Pakistan to qualify for the final, and we'll try our best."
Bangladesh have lost their opening Asia Cup 2016 encounter to India but have recorded back to back wins over UAE and Sri Lanka. They will next face Pakistan.