Tigers lose warm-up against Sri Lanka
Bangladesh suffered a four-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in the first warm-up game ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup at the Tolerance Oval in Abu Dhabi last night.
Playing without three of their key members – skipper Mahmudullah Riyad, all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and pacer Mustafizur Rahman, Bangladesh posted 147 for seven in 20 overs. Sri Lanka, were in a were in a spot of bother in their chase, struggling at 75 for six inside 11 overs but Avishka Fernando's unbeaten half-century guided them to the victory target in 19 overs.
Fernando, in partnership with Chamika Karunaratne, added 72 runs for the eighth wicket partnership to guide. Fernando faced just 42 balls for 62 not out, his innings featuring three sixes and two fours. Karunarante remained not out on 29 off 25 balls with a four and a six.
After top-scoring for his side with the bat, Soumya Sarkar picked up two wickets with the ball for the Tigers.
There was, however, confusion over the official score as none of the warm-up games were broadcast on and there was no live scoring update available from any reliable source.
Although Bangladesh Cricket Board's official media group gave some brief score updates, many had to rely on the Abu Dhabi Cricket Council's website which remained troublesome throughout the game.
Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat, with Soumya coming in at number three. The left-hander scored with 34 off 26 balls, his innings featuring two sixes and a four. Mahedi Hasan was unbeaten on 16 off 12 balls in the end.
Bangladesh had lost stand-in captain and opener Liton Das in the fifth over after a 14-ball 16 while Naim Sheikh departed for 11. Mushfiqur Rahim (13), Afif Hossain (11) and Nurul Hasan (15) were also unable to make an impact as the Tigers lost their way in the middle.
Pacer Dushmantha Chameera was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka with three wickets while Lahiru Kumara, Mahesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga and Dasun Shanaka took a wicket each.
Regular skipper Mahmudullah was rested to alleviate his back pain after missing out on the practice match against Oman A on Friday.
Mustafizur, who joined the side in the UAE, was also rested while Shakib will join the Tigers after completing his Indian Premier League stint with Kolkata Knight Riders.
Bangladesh will play their second and last official practise game against Ireland tomorrow at the same venue before returning to Oman to begin the qualifying round, with the first game against Scotland scheduled for October 17.