Sri Lanka too strong for Tigers

11-24 September 2007

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WORLD TWENTY20, Johannesburg:
Sri Lanka 147-5 (20 overs) beat Bangladesh 83 all out (15.5 overs) by 64 runs

Sri Lanka kept alive their hopes of a place in the ICC World Twenty20 semi-finals with a hard-fought victory over Bangladesh in Johannesburg.

Bangladesh's bowlers restricted Sri Lanka to just 147-5 in their 20 overs.

But their batsmen never looked likely of achieving their target of 148 from the moment they lost Mohammed Nazimuddin in the first over.

Man-of-the-match Dilhara Fernando took 2-21 as Bangladesh's hopes of progressing fizzled out.

Both sides went into the game needing a win and Bangladesh's bowlers were right on the mark from the start after winning the toss and electing to put Sri Lanka in.

Sri Lanka lost Sanath Jayasuriya for a first-ball duck when he was caught on the boundary by Mohammad Mahmudullah without scoring.

Upul Tharanga hit a brisk 23 but was removed in unfortunate circumstances during an inspired spell of bowling from left-arm paceman Syed Rasel, when an edge was caught between the legs of wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim.

Rahim twice missed the chance to remove skipper Mahela Jayawardene, who went on to add an unconvincing 30.

Sri Lanka's total was helped by a rapid sixth-wicket partnership of 51 in the last five overs from Jehan Mubarak and Tillakaratne Dilshan.

Sri Lanka's win ensures Pakistan one of the two semi-final berths from the group.

The winner between Australia and Sri Lanka in Cape Town on Thursday will take the other spot.

Source: BBC Sport