Twitter Reactions: Sri Lanka raze the hosts in a one-sided affair to claim the series 2-0

Bangladesh were comprehensively beaten by Sri Lanka in the opening game at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka. Subsequently, the visitors took a lead in the two-match T20 International series. Going into the next game in Sylhet, the Lankans oozed confidence and were favourites to claim the series.

On the contrary, Bangladesh wished to shrug off the disappointment and end the series on a high. However, Sri Lanka were clinical throughout and mauled the hosts by 75 runs. Subsequently, Dinesh Chandimal’s men bagged the series by a margin of 2-0. Previously, six games have been played at the venue and all the games were won by teams batting second.

Quite expectantly, Mahmudullah won the toss and elected to field first. The pitch was a belter and Sri Lanka made hay by thrashing the bowlers all across the park. Danushka Gunathilaka and Kusal Mendis blazed away and stitched together a stand of 98 runs off 66 balls, which laid the platform for a blistering finish.

Soumya Sarkar’s part-time off-breaks eventually got rid of Gunathilaka to give Bangladesh their first breakthrough. Nevertheless, after the left-hander’s dismissal, every other batsman stomped in, played cameos and helped the Lankans post a mammoth score of 210 runs in 20 overs. Kusal Mendis top-scored with 70 runs off 42 balls, which included six boundaries and three sixes.

Bangladesh slump in their chase

During their chase, the Bangladeshis lost wickets in a heap and surrendered the ascendancy to Sri Lanka. They could only muster 40 runs in the power-play and lost three wickets in the process. The Lankan bowlers churned out immaculate channels and strangled the hosts. Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah Riyad scorched a few boundaries to inject momentum into the innings.

However, the required-rate mounted alarmingly, much to the discomfort of the hosts. Bangladesh hardly posed any threat to the Lankans and slumped for 135 all out. Mahmudullah top-scored with a knock of 41 off 31 balls. Shehan Madushanka and Danushka Gunathilaka picked up a couple of wickets each for the visitors.

Here’s how Twitter responded after Lankan’s thumping victory: