Asela Gunaratne's 60 Fires Sri Lankan Lions to Victory
Sri Lankan Lions have won by 3 runs. Sri Lankan Lions batted first and posted 163/7 in 20 overs. Bangladesh Tigers, chasing 164, fell short at 160/5 in 20 overs.
Asela Gunaratne was the standout in the first innings, scoring 60* off 34 balls (SR 176). 4 sixes and 4 fours provided the impetus. The powerplay yielded 48 runs — early wickets put them under pressure from the start.
Mizanur Rahman fought hard with 49 off 36 balls, but it was not enough to haul Bangladesh Tigers over the line. The required rate climbed too steeply in the end.
With the ball, Alok Kapali delivered figures of 3/17 in 4 overs (Econ 4.3). Crucial breakthroughs at key moments that shifted the momentum.
BDT lead the series 4-0. The pressure is firmly on the chasing side now.
The Turning Point
Over 20 of the first innings was the inflection point — 22 runs came off it, shifting the momentum and setting the stage for a total that ultimately proved too much.
Key Performers
60* off 34 balls (SR 176), 4 fours, 4 sixes
3/17 in 4 overs (Econ: 4.25)
49 off 36 balls (SR 136), 3 fours, 4 sixes
Verdict
Sri Lankan Lions showed composure when it mattered most and deserve this victory. Bangladesh Tigers will rue missed opportunities — a 3 runs deficit could have been avoided with sharper execution in the key moments. BDT lead the series 4-0. The pressure is firmly on the chasing side now.