TBS report

November 3, 2024, 4:50 p.m.

Last modified: November 3, 2024, 17:56

Bangladesh’s quest for the Hong Kong Sixes title ended heartbreakingly short as they exited the tournament with a semi-final loss to Sri Lanka.

The two teams had previously met in the group stage, where Sri Lanka claimed victory. Bangladesh, eager for redemption and with a place in the final at stake, won the toss and Yasir elected to bat.

Bangladesh’s first matches set a breakneck pace, accumulating 38 runs in just 11 balls. Abdullah Al Mamun scored 16 off 4 balls with a boundary and two sixes before his dismissal, while Jisan Alam was explosive, scoring 36 off 11 balls, including fours and five sixes. Yasir, however, fell into the trap, adding pressure to the Bangladesh lineup. Mohammad Saifuddin tried to anchor the innings while Abu Hider Rony contributed 18 runs off 6 balls. Sohag Gazi hit a six on his first ball but was caught at the boundary on the next, leaving Saifuddin unbeaten on 23 off 12 well-played balls. Bangladesh closed their innings at 103 for 5 in 6 overs, with Tharindu Ratnayake taking four wickets.

Sri Lanka’s chase began with dominance as openers Sadun Weerakody and Dhananjaya Lakshan quickly established a 58-run partnership. Lakshan was dismissed for 24 off 6 balls, while Weerakody retired with 50 off 16 balls as per tournament rules. This brief lull in momentum did not deter Sri Lanka as a composed finish from Nimesh Vimukthi took them over the line with one ball remaining, sealing Bangladesh’s exit.

With this victory, Sri Lanka now moves on to the final, where they will face Pakistan in an all-Asian showdown for the championship title.