The rivalry between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka does not seem to be dying down. Tempers flare whenever the two sides lock horns. The rivalry grew manifold after Angelo Mathews’ timed-out controversy caused by a faulty helmet. After winning the T20I series, Sri Lankan players pointed to their wrists while posing with the trophy. Bangladesh players were not going to take it lightly. After winning the ODI series with a comfortable win in the third ODI on March 18, Mushfiqur Rahim added fuel to the fire by pointing to his helmet and imitating Mathews when he pointed toward the broken helmet strap.
Rahim’s act left his teammates in splits. Rahim was high-fived by his teammates as Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side posed with the trophy.
Rahim, Tanzid, Rishad shine in run chase
Rahim who got injured by pacer Taskin Ahmed's delivery walked out to bat at no.6. He scored 37 runs from 36 deliveries including three fours and a six. He scored the winning runs in the 41st over bowled by Maheesh Theekshana. Bangladesh won the match by four wickets with 58 balls to spare.
While Soumya Sarkar's concussion substitute Tanzid Hasan scored 84 runs from 81 balls, Rishad Hossain stole the show at no.8. He smashed four sixes and five fours in his unbeaten 18-ball 48. Shanto praised Rahim and the young Rishad for his quickfire knock in the run chase.
“Tanzid batted really well at the start, the way Mushi batted, I think it helped Rishad's innings. On a wicket like this, the bowlers showed a lot of character, the pacers bowled well and Mehidy also bowled well in the middle overs,” Shanto said in the post-match presentation.
Focus shifts to Test series
After the ODI series, the two-Test series will begin on March 22 at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Bangladesh are placed fourth on the table with one win from two games whereas Sri Lanka are at the bottom of the table with two losses. Shanto looks forward to the Test series after a crucial win against New Zealand at home.
“Very important for us the Test championship. Last season, we won a match against New Zealand and it's important that we play well this time,” he added.
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