Sabbir Rahman smashed a career-best 80 to help Bangladesh secure their first Twenty20 international victory over Sri Lanka courtesy of a 23-run Asia Cup triumph in Mirpur.
Rahman’s explosive 54-ball innings, which included 10 fours and three sixes, ensured the Tigers recovered from losing both openers in the first two overs.
He shared an 82-run fourth-wicket stand with Shakib Al Hasan, who made 32, while Mahmudullah smashed 23 off 12 deliveries to lift the hosts, having won the toss, to 147 for seven.
Sri Lanka, without injured skipper Lasith Malinga due to a knee injury, were well placed to complete a successful pursuit at 76 for one in the 11th over, but Dinesh Chandimal’s dismissal to Mahmudullah triggered a collapse that saw them lose seven wickets for 41 runs.
Al-Amin Hossain took three wickets and Shakib returned impressive figures of two for 21 from four overs to restrict Sri Lanka to 124 for eight.
Bangladesh’s win, their first in five T20Is against Sri Lanka, lifted them level on four points with leaders India in the Asia Cup table.
