SHARJAH (UAE): A terrific partnership of 86 between Charith Asalanka and birthday boy Bhanuka Rajapaksa helped Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh by 5 wickets in a Super 12 of T20 World Cup here on Sunday.
Both batsmen were dropped by Liton Das, after Sri Lanka had a stutter in the middle overs, losing 3 wickets for 8 runs. A thumping victory in the end for Sri Lanka, with five balls and 11 balls to spare.
Rajapaksa smashed his half-century in just 28 balls as Sri Lanka maintain their winning streak to four in as many games.
Invited to bat, Bangladesh put up a competitive 171 for four against the Islanders in their Group 1 match against Bangladesh.
In reply, Sri lanka chased own the target of 172 with seven balls to spare at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Asalanka top-scored with an unbeaten 80 off 49 balls, while Rajapaksa blasted 53 off just 31 balls.
Earlier, opener Mohammad Naim was the highest scorer for Bangladesh with his 62-run knock, while Mushfiqur Rahim contributed an unbeaten 57. For Sri Lanka, Chamika Karunaratne, Binura Fernando and Lahiru Kumara took a wicket apiece.
Brief Scores: Bangladesh: 171/4 in 20 overs. (Mohammad Naim 62, Mushfiqur Rahim 57 not out; Chamika Karunaratne 1/12).
Sri Lanka: 172/5 in 18.5 overs (Charith Asalanka 80 not out, Bhanuka Rajapaksa 53).
