(Colombo): Bangladesh will square off against India in the finals of Nidahas trophy 2018 as they beat Sri Lanka by 2 wickets in a virtual semi-final that went right down to the wire. Pressure and tension mounted towards the end and have to say, a calm and composed Mahmudullah did and outstanding job to see his side through to the final.
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Earlier in the day, captain Shakib Al Hasan won the toss and choosed to bowl first. Bangladeshi bowlers put up a spirited performance to stag Sri Lanka on 41/5 at one stage. Just when the things were looking difficult for Lankans, Kusal and Thisara Perera batted through the course and put up a 97 run partnership. Sri Lanka posted a fighting total of 159/7 after the end of regulation overs.
Chasing a target of 160, Bangladesh lost Liton Das and Sabbir Rahman early. Opener Tamim Iqbal put up a 64 run stand with Mushfiqur Rahim. However Lanka’s bowlers clawed their way back into the game as they dismissed Mushfiqur(28) and Iqbal(50). Mahmudullah made his way to center and despite loosing partners from other end, kept playing his shots and took the game right down to the wire. Bangladesh needed 12 runs of the last over and he single handedly finished the match in style with one ball to spare.
Bangladesh will be up against India in the finals of Nidahas trophy 2018 on 18th March.
Summary: Sri Lanka 159/7 (Kusal Perera 61, Thisara Perera 58) lost to Bangladesh 160/8 (Tamim Iqbal 50, Mahmudullah 43*) by two wickets.
