'No need to have world class players' - Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana's sly dig at BCB Director Khaled Mahmud

Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana took a sly dig at Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Director Khaled Mahmud, after his side’s thrilling victory against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup 2022 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 1. It all began after Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka claimed that Bangladesh’s bowling lineup was not as strong as Afghanistan’s.

The BCB Director, in response, stated that Bangladesh has two world-class bowlers with Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman, while Sri Lanka have none. This did not quite work in Mahmud’s favour as Bangladesh bowlers had a tough day in the office when they faced Sri Lanka on Thursday, and consequently, they lost the game. With the win, Sri Lanka also eliminated Bangladesh from the Asia Cup.

Meanwhile, Theekshana took it to Twitter and expressed his feelings on Mahmud’s remarks. "No need to have world class players, when you have 11 brothers," read his tweet.

Asitha Fernando wins it for the hosts in last over

After being put to bat first, Bangladesh started strongly, thanks to a fiery knock of 38 runs off 26 balls by Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Afif Hossain top-scored with a blistering 39 runs off 22 balls, and the finishing touch was given by Mosaddek Hossain, who scored an unbeaten 24 runs off nine balls. Bangladesh finished with 183 for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs.

Sri Lanka, quite like their opponents, also came out with an aggressive approach as opener Kusal Mendis set the tempo with an explosive 60 runs off 37 balls, and skipper Dasun Shanaka, in the middle, chipped in with a crucial hand, scoring 45 runs off 33 balls. And when it mattered the most, it was Asitha Fernando at number 10 who scored unbeaten 10 runs off three balls and took his side over the finishing line in the last over.

After a disappointing Asia Cup in 2018, where they lost both their games in the group stages, Sri Lanka have well and truly made amends with a statement-giving win in Dubai.