Report

Bangladesh continue impressive form

Bangladesh maintained their 100% record in the triangular tournament with a crushing 102-run win against Sri Lanka

Cricinfo staff
07-Dec-2005
Bangladesh 253 for 6 (Rahim 75*, Rahman 59, Weersinghe 3-39) beat Sri Lanka 151 (de Zoysa 46, Islam 3-40) by 102 runs
Scorecard
Points Table
Bangladesh maintained their 100% record in the triangular tournament with a crushing 102-run win against Sri Lanka. The captain, Mushfiqur Rahim, lead from the front with a powerful 75 before the Bangladesh attack made short work of Sri Lanka.
After winning the toss Bangladesh were given a sound base with an opening stand of 63 between Tamim Iqbal and Raqibul Hasan. Rajeeva Weerasinghe brought Sri Lanka back into contention by removing both players in two balls and when Saqibul Hasan fell for 1, Bangladesh were struggling on 64 for 3.
Shamshur Rahman launched the recovery with a measured half-century and although his 59 was on the slow side it was just the innings Bangladesh needed. When he fell in the 42nd over Rahim was already into his stride and carried the innings forward.
Rahim, who made a positive impression when he toured England in May and June, making his Test debut at Lord's, hit five fours and six in his 69-ball innings and received solid support from lower order. Weerasinghe remained the pick of the attack, but he lacked sufficient back-up from the other bowlers.
Bangladesh's total took on menacing proportions when Dimuth Karunaratne fell in the third over (9 for 1) and a terminal decline soon set in. By the 24th over Sri Lanka had slumped to 84 for 6 and there was no way back. Sameera de Zoysa provided the only meaningful resistance with 46 until he was run out by Saqibul Hasan. Kamrul Islam finished with three wickets, while four other bowlers chipped in.
Sri Lanka's defeat leaves the door open for England, who still have an outside chance of reaching the final if they can win their last two matches with bonus points.