Sangakkara stars in Lanka's 131-run win against Bangladesh

Thu, Jun 26 09:27 AM

Lahore, June 25 (PTI) Powered by Kumar Sangakkara's brilliant hundred, Sri Lanka notched up a comprehensive 131-run win against Bangladesh in a Group A match of the Asia Cup at the Gaddafi stadium here today. Sri Lanka never looked back after amassing 357 for nine which also included 74 from Chamara Kapugedera and restricted Bangladesh to 226 for seven.

Sangakkara smashed 101 off 91 balls and effected three dismissals behind the stumps to earn the man of the match award. Bangladesh, who had defeated United Arab Emirates comfortably yesterday, never gathered steam in the run-chase.

To cop matters, Ashraful fell for eight to a bad decision by Simon Taufel, who ruled him caught behind on the leg side when television replays showed the ball from Dilhara Fernando had brushed his thigh. Ashraful's dismissal at total of 35 after opener Nazimuddin was out for one put Bangladesh out of contention.

Opener Tamim Iqbal played a steady knock of 28 from 40 balls but he was lucky to get those runs as the Lankans floored three catches, he offered. Iqbal eventually was bowled by Kulasekera after which Raqibul Hasan (35) and Mushfiqur Rahim (44) produced the best stand of the innings putting on 78 from 90 balls.

Muttiah Muralitharan sent back both the batsmen -- Hasan and Rahim -- dashing all hopes of Bangladesh. Rahim hit two fours in his 53 balls knock.

Alok Kapali batted sensibly for 30 from 37 balls while at the other end Bangladesh slumped to 142 for six when Mahmudullah (4) was bowled by Jayasuriya. Mashrafe Mortaza (34) and Abdur Razzak (22) ensured their team was not bowled out with a dour stand.

PTI.

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