Haque hits 49 for Bangladesh against Sri Lanka
MIRPUR, Bangladesh (AP) — Bangladesh opener Anamul Haque hit 49 to steer his side to 204-9 against Sri Lanka on Thursday in the Asia Cup's last match at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
Haque's opening partner, Shamsur Rahman, scored 39. Fresh from his second century against Pakistan on Tuesday, Haque yet again gave his struggling side an impetus and added 74 with Rahman in the opening stand.
Bangladesh had already been eliminated from the tournament after losing three matches in row and is playing the match to restore some pride. Sri Lanka, however, aims to maintain its winning record in the tournament.
For Sri Lanka, Ashan Priyanjan, Suranga Lakmal, Thisara Perera and Ajantha Mendis claimed two wickets apiece.
Haque hit two fours and one six in his patient 86-ball knock but was victimized by a stunning catch of Lahiru Thirimanne at mid-wicket.
As he flicked Priyanjan's turning delivery in the air, Thirimanne jumped high to reach the ball but fell to the ground. He recovered quickly to jump in his front to take the low catch.
After the openers' decent start, Mendis took two wickets in quick space to derail Bangladesh. He had Rahman lbw on 39 and bowled Mominul Haque.
Chaturanga de Silva then dealt a massive blow by dismissing Bangladesh's in-form batsman Mushfiqur Rahim on 4.
Nasir Hossain and Mahmudullah seemed to guide Bangladesh from the perilous situation but were denied by Lakmal, who removed both of them. Nasir Hossain and Mahmudullah made 30 each.
Perera got Ziaur Rahman and Rubel Hossain in the last over in consecutive deliveries to raise the prospect of a hat trick. Al-Amin Hossain, however, denied him.
