Twitter reactions: Charith Asalanka, Matheesha Pathirana steer Sri Lanka to a comfortable victory over Bangladesh – Asia Cup 2023

[Brexiter]

Sri Lanka emerged victorious against Bangladesh in Match 2 of the Asia Cup 2023. The Sri Lankan team put on a commendable performance to secure a 5-wicket win, chasing down the target set by Bangladesh with precision.

Matheesha Pathirana wreaks havoc in Bangladesh camp​

Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Bangladesh set a target of 165 runs for Sri Lanka. Their innings concluded at 164 runs in 42.4 overs. Najmul Hossain Shanto was the standout performer for Bangladesh, anchoring the innings with a brilliant 89-run knock off 122 balls. However, a lack of substantial partnerships and regular wickets from the Sri Lankan bowlers restricted Bangladesh’s total. Matheesha Pathirana shone with the ball, claiming four wickets for 32 runs in his 7.4 overs. Maheesh Theekshana also chipped in with crucial two wickets.

Charith Asalanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama shine with the bat for Sri Lanka​

In response, Sri Lanka managed to reach the target of 165 runs in 39 overs, securing a well-deserved victory. Charith Asalanka was the hero of their batting lineup, contributing a crucial 62 runs off 92 balls, supported by Sadeera Samarawickrama‘s 54 runs and Dasun Shanaka‘s 14 runs. The Sri Lankan batting unit showcased resilience and determination to steer their team to victory.

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Bangladesh’s bowling effort was commendable, with Shakib Al Hasan and Taskin Ahmed bagging two scalps each, while Shoriful Islam and Mahedi Hasan contributed with a wicket each.

In the end, it was Sri Lanka’s balanced performance with both bat and ball that clinched the victory for them. They exhibited great teamwork and determination throughout the match, ultimately sealing a 5-wicket win over Bangladesh in their opening Asia Cup 2023 clash. Pathirana was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’ for his exceptional bowling performance.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:​

Defending champions Sri Lanka have won their first match. They were chasing just 164 at home but it was not easy. Bangladesh have to win against Afghanistan now. #SLvsBAN #AsiaCup2023

— Ridhima Pathak (@PathakRidhima) August 31, 2023

Matheesha Pathirana’s exploits in the IPL 2023 was commendable but his performance today has reiterated the skill upgrade he has made over the last 12 months. #SLvsBAN #AsiaCup

— Ashwin (@ashwinravi99) August 31, 2023

Easy to see why Sri Lanka cricket, CSK and MS Dhoni are valuing Matheesha Pathirana so highly. He is still learning his craft. But he is learning quickly and will be a real handful in years to come.

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) August 31, 2023

No Hasaranga.
No Chameera.
No Avishka.
No Kumara.
2 players positive for COVID-19.
Young Sri Lanka side.

But Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh in Asia Cup 2023, and comfortable win for Sri Lanka – Outstanding, Sri Lanka!

— The Cricket Records Show (@RecordsCricket1) August 31, 2023

Charith Asalanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama smash half-centuries to take Sri Lanka home: https://t.co/xKjU7rYQhl

#BANvSL #AsiaCup2023 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/tzZVFNMBf6

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 31, 2023

Sri Lanka WINS!

Sri Lanka wins Asia Cup match against Bangladesh by 5 wickets.

: 164
: 165/5

Charith Asalanka : 62*

Sadeera Samarawickrama : 54

Matheesha Pathirana : 4 wickets

This is Sri Lanka’s 11th consecutive ODI WIN and makes it their longest winning… pic.twitter.com/BBNaDHwpIK

— Dasuni Athauda (@AthaudaDasuni) August 31, 2023

Sri Lanka are the first team in men’s ODI history to dismiss the opponents in 11 consecutive matches. Australia and South Africa had done it in 10 games on the trot. #AsiaCup2023

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) August 31, 2023

Congratulations to Sri Lanka’s inexperienced side for Winning by 5 Wickets against Bangladesh. Bangladesh must win against Afghanistan on Sunday; otherwise, they are out. Well Done, Sri Lanka.#SLvsBAN #SLvBAN #Asiacup2023 #AsiaCup23 pic.twitter.com/t0tAyNIT4V

— Shaharyar Ejaz (@SharyOfficial) August 31, 2023

It’s over. Sri Lanka win the game by wickets. Well played, Lions.

A disastrous day comes to an end for Bangladesh. Frustrating performance. #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/cqRxPSrcOB

— Saif Ahmed (@saifahmed75) August 31, 2023

Pathirana is here to rule!!#AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/8h81il2wYR

— Div (@div_yumm) August 31, 2023

Matheesha Pathirana won the Man of the Match award for his 4-wickets against Bangladesh. #LKA #SriLanka #AsiaCup #SLvBAN #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/jym00tqVLt

— Sri Lanka Tweet (@SriLankaTweet) August 31, 2023

Junior Malinga is here

Pathirana has announced his arrival in Asia cup pic.twitter.com/UWJh1JvXFB

— msd_stan (@bdrijalab) August 31, 2023

Pathirana robbed off yet another deserving big wicket. pic.twitter.com/poULu59l7v

— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) August 31, 2023

Bangladesh all-out on 164 runs against Sri Lanka in Asia Cup.

•Pathirana: 7.4-0-32-4.
•Theekshana: 8-1-19-2.

What a bowling performance by Sri Lankan bowlers especially Pathirana and Theekshana..!!! pic.twitter.com/VhMlKY4PYB

— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) August 31, 2023

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