The ongoing Asia Cup 2023’s second match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium witnessed an intense battle on the field. Amidst a tough struggle for runs against Sri Lankan bowlers, one Bangladeshi batsman stood out with a remarkable performance. Najmul Hussain Shanto played a crucial role and scored a commendable 89 runs in the match. While he missed out on achieving his second ODI century by just 11 runs, his innings won the hearts of cricket enthusiasts across the world.
Batting at number three, the 25-year-old Shanto faced a total of 122 balls during his innings. His strike rate was 72.95, and he hit seven splendid fours. Shanto’s innings was praiseworthy not only for his runs but also for the determination and effort he put into the game.
Coming in to bat after the team suffered an early setback at four runs, Shanto stood strong at one end while other batsmen struggled to make an impact. His resilience and dedication were evident as he battled to guide his team towards a respectable score.
Najmul Hussain Shanto Falls to Mahesh Teekshana:
Sri Lankan spinner Mahesh Teekshana proved to be the end of Shanto’s excellent innings. Shanto faced Teekshana’s bowling in the 42nd over, only to see his stumps shattered on the second ball. This dismissal marked Shanto’s second fall of the match, with Teekshana previously dismissing him by trapping Tanjeed Hasan LBW.
Bangladesh Posts 164 Runs:
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the Bangladeshi team managed to score a total of 164 runs in 42.4 overs. Shanto’s contribution of 89 runs stood out as the highest for the team. Following him, Tauheed Hridayoy secured the second-highest score with 20 runs while batting at number five. Among the Sri Lankan bowlers, Pathirana shone with four wickets to his name.
Shanto’s resilient innings will be remembered not just for the runs he scored, but also for his fighting spirit on the field.
