Opener Pathum Nissanka (22 off 15) gave a brisk start before Taskin Ahmed struck to claim his 99th T20I wicket, removing him in the fifth over. Kusal Mendis (34 off 25, 3 sixes) kept the tempo going, but Mahedi Hasan’s double strike dismissing Mendis and Kamil Mishara pegged Sri Lanka back at 65/3.
A brief partnership between Kusal Perera (16) and skipper Dasun Shanaka steadied the innings before Mustafizur Rahman, at his crafty best, dismissed Perera and later added Kamindu Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga to his tally.
The innings turned in Sri Lanka’s favor during the death overs, thanks to Shanaka’s explosive knock. The captain hammered 57 not out off 36 balls (3 fours, 5 sixes), lifting the run rate and ensuring Sri Lanka reached a competitive total.
He was well supported briefly by Charith Asalanka (21 off 12), who played a quick cameo before being run out.
Among Bangladesh’s bowlers, Mustafizur Rahman stood out with 3/19 from his four overs, while Mahedi Hasan chipped in with 2/25.
Taskin Ahmed’s solitary wicket brought him to the brink of a personal milestone 99 T20I wickets. However, Shoriful Islam and Nasum Ahmed proved expensive, conceding a combined 85 runs in their eight overs.
