Cricket

In a thrilling opening Twenty20 international of a three-match series in Sylhet on Monday, Sri Lanka emerged victorious over Bangladesh by a narrow margin of three runs. Chasing a challenging target of 207 runs, Bangladesh's lower middle-order batsman Jaker Ali played a valiant innings, scoring a maiden fifty and bringing his team close to victory. However, Sri Lanka's captain Dasun Shanaka displayed nerves of steel in the final over, claiming two crucial wickets to secure the win.Bangladesh's pursuit of the target began with a solid start, but former Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews made an early impact by dismissing two key batsmen. Mahmudullah Riyad then played a crucial role, striking a quickfire 54 off 31 balls to revive the home side's hopes. However, Shanaka's heroics in the final over proved decisive.Earlier, Sri Lanka had set a formidable total of 206-3 after being sent in to bat. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Kusal Mendis played key roles, scoring fifties and sharing a 96-run partnership for the third wicket. Stand-in skipper Charith Asalanka also contributed with an unbeaten 44 from 21 balls.The series marks the start of Sri Lanka's month-long tour of Bangladesh, which will also include three one-day internationals and two Tests.

During the 2023 ODI World Cup, a controversial dismissal of Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews sparked a heated debate. Mathews was ruled "timed out" in a crucial match against Bangladesh, igniting a storm of controversy.The incident occurred in the 25th over when Mathews arrived at the crease after Sadeera Samarawickrama's dismissal. However, he realized he had the wrong helmet and attempted to rectify the situation with the Bangladesh players and umpires.Mathews indicated that the helmet strap had come off, but the damage had been done. Bangladesh appealed for a "timed out," and despite Mathews' animated protests, the appeal was not withdrawn.Mathews' frustration was evident as he threw his helmet in anger after leaving the field. Later, while bowling, he took the wicket of Bangladesh captain Shakib al Hasan and gestured towards his watch, a symbolic reference to the controversial dismissal.The incident resurfaced during a T20I match between the two teams in Sylhet, where Shoriful Islam mimicked Mathews' gesture after dismissing Sri Lanka's Avishka Fernando.The series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka is seen as crucial preparation for the upcoming World Cup in June. Bangladesh has never defeated Sri Lanka in a T20 series, adding to the significance of this encounter.