Bangladesh wrapped up the three-match ODI series, maiden series victory over Sri Lanka across three formats, thanks to a blistering century from Mushfiqur Rahim who again stood tall amid the adversities.
The wicket-keeper batsman struck 127 ball-125 as Bangladesh romped to a 103-run victory via DLS method in the second game on Tuesday at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
The victory effectively put Bangladesh on top of the ICC ODI Super League standings with 50 points from eight matches. Mushfiqur’s eighth ODI century was halted twice by rain before the Tigers were bowled out for 246 in 48.1 overs.
The bowlers complemented batsmen with a disciplined bowling andBangladesh closed in on a victory, leaving Sri Lanka 126-9 in 38 overs.
After the rain interrupted the game third time, Sri Lanka got a revised target of 245 in 40 overs for their victory and they were finally able to score 141-9.
Rain arrived firstly when Bangladesh was on 196-7 in 41.1 overs and delayed the game for 25 minutes. Later just two overs after the game, rain again arrived to interrupt the proceedings with the Tigers at 213-7.
Bangladesh, aiming for an unassailable 2-0 lead following their 33-run victory in the first match, won the toss for the second consecutive time in the series but failed to capitalize on.
The Sri Lanka pacers utilized the early moisture of the wicket well to swing the ball in both ways, which was difficult for the Bangladesh top order to deal with.
Skipper Tamim Iqbal struck pacer Isuru Udana boundary twice in the first over to indicate a good start but fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera spoiled it.
