Bangladesh secure first win against Sri Lanka in 100th test

Tamim Iqbal’s 82 set up Bangladesh’s series-levelling win – AFP

Reuters: Bangladesh secured their maiden test win against Sri Lanka, and their second against a major test-playing nation in the last five months, with an eventful four-wicket victory on the final day of the second test at the P. Sara Oval on Sunday.

Playing their 100th test overall, the touring side chased down their target of 191 in the final session to level the two-match series at 1-1.

Bangladesh had lost 15 tests and drawn two of their previous 17 matches in the five-day format against Sri Lanka and Sunday’s victory is undoubtedly their best away from home after they beat England in Dhaka last October.

The South Asian nation’s other test successes have come against West Indies, whose glory days are long past and are no longer considered to be among test cricket’s major players, and Zimbabwe.

Experienced opening batsman Tamim Iqbal anchored the chase with a stroke-filled 82 after home captain Rangana Herath had picked up two wickets in successive deliveries to reduce Bangladesh to 22-2.

Tamim, who hit seven fours and a six, added 109 for the third wicket with Sabbir Rahman before the latter fell for 41.

All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan fell for 15 with Bangladesh still 29 runs away from a famous victory and there were more nervous moments awaiting them.

Herath, celebrating his 39th birthday on Sunday, could not hold on to a return catch offered by Mosaddek Hossain, but later dismissed him for 13 with Bangladesh needing two for the win.

Mushfiqur remained unbeaten on 22 while Mehedi Hasan was not out on two after hitting the winning runs that sparked wild celebrations from the visiting team.

Sri Lanka ODI squad against Bangladesh announced

17th March 2017, Colombo: Sri Lanka Cricket has announced the names of the 15 players who will form the squad for the One-day International matches against Bangladesh which starts on 25th March at the Dambulla International Cricket Stadium. 

The team which will be captained by Upul Tharanga will also comprise of the following: 

Niroshan Dickwella 

Dhananjaya de Silva 

Kusal Mendis 

Asela Gunaratne 

Dinesh Chandimal 

Kusal Janith Perera 

Danushka Gunathilake 

Suranga Lakmal 

Lahiru Kumara 

Vikum Sanjaya Bandara 

Thisara Perera 

Sachith Pathirana 

Seekkuge Prassanna 

Lakshan Sandakan