‘Safe to say it was a world class performance’ - Mahela Jayawardene takes dig at Bangladesh over ‘world class bowlers’ comment

Sri Lanka picked up one of their most memorable victories after beating Bangladesh in a high intensity game at the Dubai International Stadium in Asia Cup 2022. There were a lot of emotions involved in the game as skipper Dasun Shanaka and Bangladesh team director Khaled Mahmud had put different views on the number of world class bowlers on each side in the press conference before game.

While Shanaka felt that Bangladesh had only two world class bowlers in their side, Mahmud responded to it stating there are none in Sri Lanka. Former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene earlier tweeted ahead of the clash to spice things up stating “Looks like it’s time for @OfficialSLC bowlers to show the class and batters to show who they are on the field.” and posted a video of Mahmud’s interview.  

Now, after the victory, Jayawardene pulled the leg of Bangladesh side by coming up with another tweet which stated about the world class performance. 

Here’s the tweet from Mahela Jayawardene 

“Well done guys!!! Fantastic fight back to win this game under pressure. safe to say it was a world class performance,” Jayawardene tweeted. 

Bangladesh posted a massive score of 183 for 7 in their 20 overs, on the back of Afif Hossain’s 39 off 22 while Mosaddek Hossain’s quickfire finish (24 off 9) helped a lot in accelerating things. In reply, Sri Lanka started off well until Ebadot Hossain came into the attack and picked up three wickets in no time. Kusal Mendis had four reprieves and it did not help the cause for Bangladesh as he top scored with 60. 

Shanaka played a captain’s innings and his 45 proved to be crucial in the end. However, Bangladesh looked to have sealed the game once they got the big wickets of Mendis, Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne. Asitha Fernando, the debutant hit two boundaries to help his side to victory from nowhere, and Bangladesh succumbed under pressure giving away 17 extras.