NEW DELHI: Thrilled to contribute to his team's victory in the Asia Cup match against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka's captain Dasun Shanaka stated that in the absence of their frontline bowlers due to injuries, it was essential for someone to step up.
Shanaka's impressive performance, claiming 3/28 with three key top-order wickets, played a crucial role in Sri Lanka's 21-run win over Bangladesh, giving them a strong start in the Asia Cup Super 4 stage.
Sri Lanka had to contend without key players such as Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Madushanka, and Lahiru Kumara, all sidelined due to injuries.
Facing a modest total of 257/9, Sri Lanka needed early breakthroughs. Although medium-pacer Kasun Rajitha maintained an economical spell, he struggled to take wickets.
On the other hand, the mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana (3/69) faced a challenging start after sustaining a hand injury from a Taskin Ahmed bouncer.
"When there's no frontline bowlers, someone needs to chip in. Normally Kasun and Maheesh deliver at the top. But Maheesh delivered at the end," Shanka said at the post-match presentation.
"It's matter of time, I have played good enough cricket to deliver. Bangladesh bowlers bowled really well, especially Hasan Mahmud. So I thought if I hit the seam, it can work and I delivered."
Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan felt his side could have done a better job of picking wickets and stitching partnerships.
"Our top four didn't get enough runs and we didn't bowl well at the start. There was help for the bowlers but we didn't get the wickets, but credit goes to Sri Lanka," Shakib said.
"We came back really strong but then Sadeera played very well. We needed 80-100 run partnership to chase this. Our top four didn't get enough runs and we didn't bowl well at the start."
(With inputs from PTI)
