Despite Tahid Hridoys career-best 96-run knock, Bangladesh suffered a three-wicket defeat in the second clash of the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Friday, levelling the series 1-1.
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first, inviting Bangladesh to bat. The hosts stumbled in the very first over of the innings as Liton Das departed for a duck.
His opening partner Soumya Sarkar and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto then steadied the Tigers nicely forming a 75-run partnership until Shantos dismissal for 40 off 39 balls including six boundaries.
But after Shantos departure, Bangladesh suffered setbacks losing the wickets of Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim and Soumya in quick succession.
Mahmudullah was dismissed without scoring, while Soumya scored 68 off 66 balls with 11 boundaries and a six and Mushfiqur managed 25 runs. It was Soumyas 12th ODI fifty.
Mehidy Mirazs dismissal for 12 further deepened Bangladeshs trouble, which was skilfully handled by Tawhid Hridoy, accompanied by the tail-enders. Tanzim Sakib contributed 18 runs, while Taskin Ahmed remained unbeaten with a cameo of 18 runs off 10 balls.
However, Hridoy emerged as the hero of the day for Bangladesh, remaining not out with a brilliant 96 off 102 balls including three boundaries and five sixes.
It was Hridoys career-best ODI knock and his seventh ODI half-century. Bangladesh posted a total of 286 runs for the loss of seven wickets.
Wanindu Hasaranga took four wickets for Sri Lanka, while Dilshan Madushanka claimed two and Pramod Madushan took the rest.
Facing a challenging target of 287 runs, Sri Lanka lost opener Avishka Fernando early without scoring. Skipper Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama also departed cheaply for 16 and one run respectively leaving the tourists in trouble at 43 runs for the loss of three wickets.
However, Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka emerged as saviours for Sri Lanka forming a 185-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Nissanka scored 114 runs off 113 balls with 13 fours and three sixes, while Asalanka fell nine runs short of a century facing 92 balls.
Additionally, Janith Liyanage contributed nine runs, Hasaranga scored 25 and Dunith Wellalage remained unbeaten on 15 as Sri Lanka reached 287 for seven with 17 balls to spare.
Bangladeshs Shoriful Islam and Taskin claimed two wickets each, while Miraz, Sakib and Taijul took one wicket apiece.
The last match of the series, which is also the series decider, is scheduled for March 18 at the same venue.
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