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With many of their frontline bowlers currently injured, Sri Lanka were under massive pressure ahead of their inaugural match in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023. Bangladesh, however, were also not in a good spot either. Tamim Iqbal and Litton Das, two of their dependable batters, have been ruled out of the competition and that has been identified in their first game in the competition.

Batting first, the Bangla Tigers faced the wrath of Lankan bowlers as no one other than Najmul Hossain Shanto could impress in the middle. The 25-year-old showed extreme maturity and hit 89 runs as the visiting team posted just 164 runs in the first innings. Neither of the senior batters in the form of Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim could impress; hence, the problem seems plenty for the team.

For Sri Lanka, Matheesa Pathirana picked up four wickets as seven Bangladesh batters failed to score in double digits. In the absence of Dilshan Madushanka and Lahiru Kumara, Pathirana had to do the heavy lifting, and the pacer has done an incredible job. On the other hand, Maheesh Theekshana picked up two wickets, while Dhananjaya de Silva, Dunith Wellalage and Dasun Shanka picked up one each.

Coming to the chase, Sri Lanka lost three quick wickets in the form of Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis. Even though the home team was chasing a relatively low total, there was enormous pressure after a poor start. However, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka have been exceptional in helping Sri Lanka make a strong comeback in the second match of the tournament. 

Both cricketers hit their respective fifties as Sri Lanka went on to win the match by five wickets. With that, Sri Lanka moved an inch closer to the Super Four of the competition, while Bangladesh will have to work really hard and beat Afghanistan in the upcoming game in order to stay alive in the race.

Also check – Asia Cup 2023 points table 

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