Bangladesh player Shoriful Islam stole the limelight in the ongoing first T20I against Sri Lanka. The first match of the three-match series between the two teams is taking place at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet.
The rivalry between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka has gone to the next level and Shoriful Islam made sure that he leaves no stone unturned in teasing the opposition. He mocked the island nation with his timed-out celebration after removing Avishka Fernando.
During the second ball of the innings, Shoriful Islam bowled a fuller-length delivery that was outside off. Avishka Fernando went for a drive with hard hands but only managed to get a thick outside edge. Litton Das behind the stumps took an easy catch to send the batter packing for a two-ball 4.
However, what caught the attention of many was Shoriful Islam’s celebration after the wicket. He gestured the timed-out thing, mocking the Sri Lanka Cricket Team over the dismissal of Angelo Mathews in the ICC World Cup 2023 game against Bangladesh.
Shoriful Islam Timed-out Celebration pic.twitter.com/fkPGrIVjei
— SRI LANKA CRICKET LIONS (@slcricketlions) March 4, 2024
Then Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan during the game against Sri Lanka in the ICC World Cup 2023 appealed for the timed-out dismissal against Angelo Mathews. The veteran all-rounder came out to bat and his helmet’s strap broke, taking extra time to bat.
However, this didn’t go with the Bangladesh skipper as he asked for a timed-out dismissal and the batter was given out. Angelo Mathews was fuming after that and the two teams were engaged in a high-intensity battle and since then has been leaving no stone unturned in having a go at each other.
Shoriful Islam concedes 47 runs in 4 overs as Sri Lanka post a mammoth total of 206 runs
Coming to the ongoing game between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, the island nation had a sensational start with the bat and posted a mammoth total on the board. The Charith Asalanka-led side were asked to bat first and they made sure they made use of the batting conditions.
After Avishka Fernando got out, Kusal Mendis held the fort and slammed a magnificent half-century. He ended with an inning of 59 runs off 36 balls. Before Kamindu Mendis (19) chipped in and helped his team score runs in the middle.
The real blitz came from the bat of Sadeera Samarawickrama (61*) and skipper Charith Asalanka (44*). The duo took an attack on the Bangladesh bowlers and made a mockery of the opposition. They added an unbeaten 73 runs off 33 balls that powered Sri Lanka to a total of 206 runs on the board.
Bangladesh bowlers didn’t have a great outing. Shoriful Islam picked one wicket and gave away 47 runs. Taskin Ahmad also bagged one wicket whereas Rishad Hossain was also amongst the wicket. Bangladesh then didn’t have a great start in the chase as they lost early wickets and came under pressure. Angelo Mathews so far has been the pick of the bowlers in the game as he has picked two wickets. Matheesha Pathirana and Binura Fernando also have chipped in one wicket each.