With the three-match bilateral ODI series evenly poised, both teams headed into the decisive final match looking for a win.
The recently concluded 3rd ODI between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka was a complete action package that had all the elements. From explosive hitting to players’ taking digs to freak injuries, it was one too many things happening in the match. However, one of the highlight moments was a young Bangladesh lower-order batter taking on a veteran bowler.
With the three-match bilateral ODI series evenly poised, both teams headed into the decisive final looking for a win. During Bangladesh’s pursuit of 236, their No.8 batter Rishad Hossain slogged an ex-Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) star for 40 runs in 11 balls to help the Tigers seal the contest.
Rishad launched a ferocious onslaught against Wanindu Hasaranga hitting him for four sixes and as many boundaries. He first executed a powerful slog-sweep, sending the first delivery soaring over the boundary for a six. He then drove another delivery through wide mid-on for four more runs before hitting another impressive slog-sweep for a maximum.
Kusal Mendis then switched with Hasaranga’s end and he came on to defend 27 in 66 balls. However, Rishad had other plans as he unleashed a barrage of attacking shots, hammering Hasaranga for six, six, four, four, and another four in five consecutive deliveries.
Rishad’s blitzkrieg innings culminated in an unbeaten 48 runs off just 18 balls.
That was criminal 👀
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.#BANvSL #FanCode pic.twitter.com/8Yt06u6jet— FanCode (@FanCode) March 18, 2024
The match stole the spotlight for multiple other reasons. Firstly, Bangladesh was marred with a series of freak injuries.
Their star pacer Mustafizur Rahman pulled cramps while bowling and had to be stretchered out. Next, all-rounder Soumya Sarkar, who was tasked with bowling the remaining of the over after Mustafizur couldn’t finish too was struck by poor fate.
ALSO READ: Watch: Bangladesh hilariously mock Angelo Mathews’ timeout dismissal in series win celebration
Soumya suffered an injury in the neck after clashing against the advertisement board in an attempt to save a boundary. After he left the field to get himself checked, the team management confirmed Soumya would not bat during the chase. Tanzid Hasan was named as his concussion substitute.
It wasn’t the end of the injury woes as Jaker Ali then suffered a nasty collision and had to be rushed to the hospital.
Interestingly, in the aftermath of the victory, Mushfiqur Rahim mocked Sri Lanka’s timed-out celebration from earlier in the tour by celebrating with a broken helmet, referring the infamous timed-out dismissal of Angelo Mathews at the 2023 World Cup.
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