Bangladesh stun SL, dump India out

20 March 2012 05:26 pm

Bangladesh registered a classic win against Sri Lanka in a rain-reduced contest, to knock India out of Asia Cup. Beating Sri Lanka by 5 wickets chasing 212 in 40 overs, the hosts earned a title shot for the first time in the history of the competition.

The chase after a long rain delay did not begin on an auspicious note. Nazimuddin (6) was dismissed by Nuwan Kulasekara in the second over and Jahurul Islam (2) and Mushfiqur Rahim (1) followed soon after. It however was the brilliant knock of 59 from Tamim Iqbal that set the tempo as he cemented himself with Shakib-al-Hasan to deny Sri Lanka.

After a healthy partnership of 76 for the 4th wicket, a breakthrough came when Sachithra Senanayake dismissed Iqbal. Al-Hasan was made to follow four overs later.

A stunned stadium was given hope however by Nasir Hossain and Mahmudullah. Earlier in the day, Sri Lankan batsmen fell like a pack of cards as despite Chamara Kapugedera's 62, Bangladesh bowlers showed they were determined to keep the target low and ensure a win. The visitors were bundled out for 232 in 49.5 overs.

The previous best finish in the tournament for Bangladesh was third in 1986. This despite participating in nine editions. In the ongoing event, Bangladesh finish with as many points as India but move ahead on the basis of their win against MS Dhoni and his team earlier. (NDTV)