Twitter Reactions: Pathirana, Samarawickrama and Asalanka inspire defending champions to thumping victory over Bangladesh

With many of their frontline bowlers currently injured, Sri Lanka were under massive pressure ahead of their inaugural match in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023. Bangladesh, however, were also not in a good spot either. Tamim Iqbal and Litton Das, two of their dependable batters, have been ruled out of the competition and that has been identified in their first game in the competition.

Batting first, the Bangla Tigers faced the wrath of Lankan bowlers as no one other than Najmul Hossain Shanto could impress in the middle. The 25-year-old showed extreme maturity and hit 89 runs as the visiting team posted just 164 runs in the first innings. Neither of the senior batters in the form of Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim could impress; hence, the problem seems plenty for the team.

For Sri Lanka, Matheesa Pathirana picked up four wickets as seven Bangladesh batters failed to score in double digits. In the absence of Dilshan Madushanka and Lahiru Kumara, Pathirana had to do the heavy lifting, and the pacer has done an incredible job. On the other hand, Maheesh Theekshana picked up two wickets, while Dhananjaya de Silva, Dunith Wellalage and Dasun Shanka picked up one each.

Coming to the chase, Sri Lanka lost three quick wickets in the form of Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis. Even though the home team was chasing a relatively low total, there was enormous pressure after a poor start. However, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka have been exceptional in helping Sri Lanka make a strong comeback in the second match of the tournament. 

Both cricketers hit their respective fifties as Sri Lanka went on to win the match by five wickets. With that, Sri Lanka moved an inch closer to the Super Four of the competition, while Bangladesh will have to work really hard and beat Afghanistan in the upcoming game in order to stay alive in the race.

Also check - Asia Cup 2023 points table 

Here's how Twitter reacted:

Ninth ODI fifty 62 (92) for Charith Asalanka.#SLvsBAN#AsiaCupOnHotstar#AsiaCup23 pic.twitter.com/o1RxdWg9kY

— The Cricket Records Show (@RecordsCricket1) August 31, 2023

Now #Bangladesh team would have to beat #Afg at any cost to avoid getting eliminated from the group stage for second time in a row.

#AsiaCup #BANvSL #SLvsBAN #AsiaCup23

— movieman (@movieman777) August 31, 2023

#SLvsBAN #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/eEI3BWzI17

— josiah🪐 (@josiah_i1) August 31, 2023

Ninth ODI fifty 62 (92) for Charith Asalanka.#SLvsBAN#AsiaCupOnHotstar#AsiaCup23
: Disney + Hotstar pic.twitter.com/yEos4A0UZ5

— King Kohli 👑 (@ManuRajawat10) August 31, 2023

Easy win for Sri Lanka, even though they were missing their four main players due to injuries. They will be a dangerous side in the coming WC, so don't take them lightly..#SLvsBAN #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/cNrrdZSgCa

— Hassan (@HassanAbbasian) August 31, 2023

bangladesh i sup for afganistan normally bt to remiove sl. il with u ban vs afgan match so afgan hv to win sl match however

— Lahiru Silva (@LahiruDesilva15) August 31, 2023

Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh by 66 runs, brilliant batting from Samarawickrama 54 runs (77) & Asalanka 62 runs (92)🇱🇰🇧🇩🏏#Asiacup2023 #SLvsBAN pic.twitter.com/iRFyy5ivzh

— chasingthetarget (@chasingtarget) August 31, 2023

🏏 What a display by Asalanka in the match today! His sensible batting truly impressed, good to see Sri Lanka's cricket improving their game in recent years. Congrats to the team. Can’t wait for INDIA VS PAK. #AsiaCup #SLvsBAN #INDvsPAK

— tushar keshan (@tusharkeshan) August 31, 2023

#SLvsBAN #AsiaCup
Deserved win for @OfficialSLC
Did enough with the ball to not be faced with any real pressure when chasing a very below par 164 by @BCBtigers who elected to bat.
240-250 would have made for a more interesting contest
Lose to @ACBofficials and the Tigers gone

— Farong (@thundhaa) August 31, 2023