AI Simulation, SL vs BAN | Asalanka, Nissanka and Hasaranga steer Sri Lanka to victory in second ODI

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As per Artificial Intelligence, Sri Lanka will beat Bangladesh by 16 runs in the second ODI in Colombo. Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka will star with the bat scoring half-centuries while leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga will pick up three wickets to help Sri Lanka seal the three-match series.

‌Pitch & Weather

A warm and humid Colombo afternoon with a slight breeze welcomed both teams to the park. The pitch was dry with good bounce and carry early on, with spin coming into the game later in the game and the ball taking turn under lights. Though the wicket was ideal for batting first and defending later, Bangladesh surprisingly chose to chase.

Toss & Conditions

Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bowl first.

Lineups

Sri Lanka: Nishan Madushka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando

Bangladesh: Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wk), Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Jaker Ali, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman

Match Report

Sri Lanka held their nerve to seal a tight 16-run win over Bangladesh in the second ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday. Charith Asalanka’s composed 74 and Wanindu Hasaranga’s vital three-wicket haul proved pivotal in a game of fluctuating momentum as the hosts took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Sri Lanka, put into bat under sultry skies, started cautiously before losing opener Nishan Madushka. However, Pathum Nissanka (61) and Kusal Mendis rebuilt the hosts’ batting smartly. Mendis played with flair while Nissanka took charge, displaying maturity in shot selection. Their 97-run stand not only revived the innings but also laid the foundation for a defendable total. Skipper Charith Asalanka once again top-scored for Sri Lanka as he scored six fours and two sixes during his 85-ball 74. He built valuable partnerships with Janith Liyanage and Wanindu Hasaranga with the latter adding some quick runs to help Sri Lanka finish at 258/8 in their stipulated 50 overs. Bangladesh's pace spearhead Taskin Ahmed impressed again with a spell of 3/42 but the lack of control in the middle overs cost the visitors.

Bangladesh began confidently with Tanzid and Parvez Hossain Emon adding 38 for the first wicket. Tanzid looked in fine touch, but Theekshana’s introduction slowed the scoring and gave the initial breakthrough for the home side in the form of Pervez. Though Najmul Hossain Shanto and Tanzid provided some resistance, a crucial double strike by Hasaranga, who removed Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy, triggered a mini-collapse. Skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz (30) and Jaker Ali (36) fought back with a 50-run partnership but it was always going to be a tall ask as the visitors buckled under pressure. With Eshan Malinga removed both in successive overs, and with 24 needed off 12 balls, Bangladesh lost their last three wickets for just eight runs. Tanzid scored his second consecutive half-century to be the Tigers’ best batter with 58 from 73 balls while leg-spinner Hasaranga was the pick among the Lankan bowlers with figures of 3/38.

Player of the Match

Charith Asalanka was declared the Player of the Match for his anchoring knock of 74 from 85 balls under pressure that proved to be the difference between both sides.

Scorecard

AI Simulation, SL vs BAN | Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh by 16 runs in the second ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
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