Mithun’s 91 powers Bangladesh to victory in warm-up game

Mohammad Mithun plays a shot

Shehan Jayasuriya in action 
Pix by Nisal Baduge 

By Amindha de Alwis

Bangladesh recorded a five-wicket win over the Sri Lanka Board President’s XI in their 50-over warm-up fixture played at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo yesterday.

Mohammad Mithun, batting at number three in the absence of Shakib al Hasan, stroked a fluent 91 inclusive of 11 fours and a six to ensure that Bangladesh chased down their target of 283 without many hiccups.

Mithun was involved in a 73-run partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim (50) that helped Bangladesh negotiate through a challenging spell from Lahiru Kumara who was responsible for the wickets of the two opening batsmen. 

Following the dismissal of Mushfiqur Rahim to the leg-spin of Wanindu Hasaranga, Mithun opened his arms and played the dominant part in a 96-run stand with Mahmudullah Riyad (33). 

He eventually fell to Kasun Rajitha nine runs short of his century but left the crease having already brought his team to the cusp of victory.

Earlier, Bangladesh opening bowlers got their tour off to a fine start having reduced the home side to 32 for 3 within the first eight overs. 

Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Shehan Jayasuriya were then involved in an 82-run partnership to drag the Board President’s XI out of trouble before Rajapaksa fell to the medium pace of Soumya Sarkar with the score on 114. 

Angelo Perera fell soon afterwards to a sharp catch by Mehidy Hasan at point. 

Jayasuriya meanwhile, notched up a half century but perished soon afterwards in an attempt to clear the mid-off fielder off the bowling of Sarkar.

At 146 for six, the home side looked in danger of being bowled out for a sub 200 total. 

However Dasun Shanaka came to his side’s rescue with a delightful unbeaten 86 runs off just 63 balls. 

Shanaka picked up six fours and six sixes during his innings and was particularly severe on the straight boundaries, hitting some towering sixes over the sightscreen.

Shanaka finished off the innings by racking up 36 runs in the final three overs alongside number 10 Amila Aponso to propel his side’s total up to 282.