Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are two teams that have had a disappointing campaign in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Both teams are out of contention for the semi-finals, having won only two matches each out of nine. However, there is still something to play for in their last match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Monday, November 6. The winner of this match will have a chance to secure a spot in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, while the loser will have to miss out on the prestigious tournament.
The match has been in doubt due to the severe air pollution in Delhi, which has forced both teams to cancel their training sessions and wear masks. The ICC and the BCCI have taken measures to ensure the safety of the players and the officials, such as installing water sprinklers and air purifiers at the venue. The air quality index (AQI) within the stadium has been monitored and reduced to acceptable levels, according to the BCCI.
Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan won the toss and opted to field first, hoping to take advantage of the dew in the evening. Bangladesh made one change to their playing XI, bringing in Tanzim Hasan for the injured Mustafizur Rahman. Sri Lanka also made two changes, with Kusal Perera and Dhananjaya de Silva replacing Dushan Hemantha and Dimuth Karunaratne.
Sri Lanka got off to a good start, with openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera adding 62 runs in 10 overs. However, Bangladesh struck back with three quick wickets, as Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz removed Nissanka, Perera and Kusal Mendis respectively. Sri Lanka were reduced to 86 for 3 in the 16th over.
Sri Lanka’s middle order then took charge, with Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka putting on a 118-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Samarawickrama scored a fluent 93 off 72 balls, while Asalanka made a 105-ball 108, his maiden ODI century. They took Sri Lanka past 200 in the 38th over, before Samarawickrama fell to Mahmudullah.
Sri Lanka lost some momentum in the final overs, as Bangladesh bowlers came back strongly. Sri Lanka lost six wickets for 75 runs in the last 12 overs, and were bowled out for 279 in 49.3 overs. Asalanka was the last man out, caught by Liton Das off Tanzim Hasan. For Bangladesh, Tanzim Hasan and Mahmudullah took three wickets each, while Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz took one wicket each.
Bangladesh’s chase got off to a shaky start, as they lost Tanzid Hasan in the second over, caught by Kusal Mendis off Shoriful Islam. Liton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto then steadied the innings, adding 45 runs for the second wicket. However, Sri Lanka’s spinners tightened the screws, as Maheesh Theekshana and Dhananjaya de Silva dismissed Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim in quick succession. Bangladesh were 67 for 3 in the 15th over.
Bangladesh’s hopes rested on the experienced duo of Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah, who had to rebuild the innings and keep up with the required run rate. They did so admirably, as they forged a 124-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Shakib played a captain’s knock, scoring 87 off 79 balls, while Mahmudullah supported him with a 71-ball 64. They brought Bangladesh within 89 runs of the target in the 38th over, before Shakib fell to Dilshan Madushanka.
Bangladesh’s lower order then crumbled under pressure, as Sri Lanka’s pacers bowled with accuracy and aggression. Bangladesh lost six wickets for 41 runs in the last 12 overs, and were all out for 236 in 48.1 overs. Madushanka was the pick of the bowlers, taking four wickets for 43 runs, while Kasun Rajitha and Dushmantha Chameera took two wickets each. For Bangladesh, only Towhid Hridoy (18) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (16) reached double figures after Shakib and Mahmudullah.
Sri Lanka won the match by 21 runs, and finished seventh in the points table with six points. Bangladesh ended eighth with four points. Sri Lanka also secured their place in the 2025 Champions Trophy, while Bangladesh missed out. Samarawickrama was named the player of the match for his brilliant 93.
This was the last match for both teams in the World Cup, and also the last ODI for two veterans of the game. Angelo Mathews of Sri Lanka and Mushfiqur Rahim of Bangladesh announced their retirements from the 50-over format after the match, and received warm applause from their teammates and the crowd. Both players have served their countries with distinction, and will be remembered as legends of the game.
The World Cup will now move to the semi-finals, where India will face New Zealand, and Australia will take on Pakistan. The final will be played on November 18 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.