Sri Lanka outplay Bangladesh in Dhaka

Sangakkara scores hundred as tourists win ODI series.

Kumara Sangakkara scored a fine 128 off 115 balls to take his team to a 61 run win over hosts Bangladesh in the second One Day International played in Dhaka.

The win ensured the hosts seal the series with one match to go. Batting first, Sangakkara’s hard-hitting knock propelled the tourists to a score of 289 for six in the allotted 50 overs.

The Islanders had lost three wickets for 63 runs only when the left-hander joined hands with Ashan Priyanjan who scored 60 runs in a 114 run stand for the fourth wicket.

Skipper Angelo Mathews upped the ante with a stroke-filled 56 off 39 balls; his innings was studded with six fours and a single six.

Rubel Hossain was the most successful Bangladesh bowler but conceded 76 runs in his 10 over spell.

Captain Mushfiqur Rahim top-scored for the hosts with a fighting 79 in reply but found scant support from the other end, Anamul Haque the opener was the other significant contributor scoring 42 runs at the top of the innings.

The hosts maintained a good run-rate yet kept losing wickets on the other hand; they folded for 228 runs in 43 overs to hand a comfortable win to the tourists.

Sangakkara who was declared man of the match praised the contribution of his teammates in the post match presentation.

“The wicket was pretty good and I was just trying to score as many runs as I can. Trained hard in the nets, made sure I was clear-minded out there and I just wanted to knock it to the sweepers and pick up the singles. The side needed a big knock and I’m glad I delivered. I wasn’t worried.” The former captain said. The third match of the series will be played at the same venue on February 22.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 21^st, 2014.

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