‘Bhai naagin dance toh hua hi nahi’ – Fans react as Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka by 3 wickets in ODI World Cup 2023 clash

Bangladesh dashed Sri Lanka’s hopes of reaching the ODI World Cup 2023 semi-finals with a 3-wicket victory in the 38th match at New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday, November 6. The match was marked by several intense confrontations between the two teams, leaving a lasting impression.

Talking about the match, Bangladesh’s decision to bowl first paid off early as Shoriful Islam made a spectacular impact in the opening over, dismissing Kusal Perera with a fantastic diving catch by Mushfiqur Rahim. Despite a shaky start, Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis attempted to rebuild but were separated by Shakib Al Hasan, with Mendis contributing 19 runs from 30 balls. Nissanka, after a promising 41, also departed in the 13th over.

Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka then took charge, stabilising Sri Lanka‘s innings. However, Samarawickrama fell to Shakib in the 25th over. Controversy ensued when Angelo Mathews arrived late to bat and was subsequently timed out, leaving without facing a single delivery. Dhananjaya also lost his wicket in the 38th over after accumulating 34 runs from 36 balls.

Asalanka partnered with Theekshana, and he achieved a remarkable century, amassing 108 runs from 105 balls, featuring six fours and five sixes. Tanzania’s Hasan Sakib secured three wickets for Bangladesh, while Shoriful Islam and Shakib each took two wickets in a competitive match.

Brilliant batting performance by Bangladesh

Chasing the target, Bangladesh encountered early setbacks, losing both their openers during the initial powerplay. Nevertheless, skipper Shakib Al Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto orchestrated a brilliant recovery, simplifying the run chase for the Bangla Tigers. Together, they forged a remarkable 169-run partnership for the third wicket.

Shakib’s experience shone as he adeptly tackled both pacers and spinners. Despite their excellent efforts, both Shakib and Shanto fell just short of their well-deserved centuries. Shakib was dismissed after amassing 82 runs, courtesy of Angelo Mathews, the same player he had timed out earlier in the match.

Shanto, too, was denied his century, departing with 90 runs, again due to Mathews’ bowled delivery. However, both batsmen had already accomplished their primary task. Towards the end of the innings, Bangladesh lost a few wickets, but they comfortably chased down the target, securing a 3-wicket victory.

Here’s how fans reacted: