The Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka T20 series was a thriller. Sri Lanka showcased their cricket brilliance throughout the series. They won the series by 2-1. The whole team played well but Nuwan Thushara caught the attention, with his exceptional hat-trick. This exceptional performance in the third T20I against Bangladesh set the stage to win the series.
Nuwan Thushara’s Classy Hat-Tricks:
On March 9, Nuwan Thushara etched his name in the annals of cricket history, achieving the distinction of being the fifth Sri Lankan bowler to secure a hat-trick in men’s T20 Internationals (T20Is). The milestone was reached during the third and final match of the series against Bangladesh in Sylhet, where Thushara delivered a stellar performance, wreaking havoc in the opposition’s batting lineup with three wickets in a sensational first over.
In a remarkable display of skill, Thushara dismantled Bangladesh’s batting order in their pursuit of 175. His impactful over commenced with the dismissal of Najmul Shanto in the second delivery of the fourth over, followed by an exquisite delivery that found the top of Towhid Hridoy’s off-stump in the very next ball. The crowning moment came when Thushara induced a delivery that nipped away after pitching in line, resulting in the experienced Mahmudullah being declared LBW. This sequence marked the culmination of Thushara’s maiden hat-trick in T20Is, a feat celebrated as a testament to his bowling prowess.
The historic occasion also saw Thushara achieve another milestone by delivering a maiden over, marking the sixth instance of a Sri Lankan bowler securing a hat-trick in T20I cricket. His exceptional performance not only added a memorable chapter to his career but also contributed significantly to Sri Lanka’s success in the series against Bangladesh.
The Third T20 Win:
In the final T20 of the series, Sri Lanka’s opener Kusal Mendis showcased an outstanding performance, amassing 86 runs, while pacer Nuwan Thushara stole the spotlight with a career-best bowling display, claiming 5-20, including a hat trick. This stellar effort led Sri Lanka to a 28-run victory over Bangladesh, ultimately securing the series 2-1. The first match witnessed Sri Lanka’s triumph by a narrow margin of three runs, but Bangladesh leveled the series with an eight-wicket victory in the subsequent game.
Mendis’ brilliant innings, featuring a commanding 55-ball knock embellished with six fours and an equal number of sixes, propelled Sri Lanka to a formidable total of 174-6. Simultaneously, Thushara, making his series debut, exhibited exceptional swing-bowling skills, wreaking havoc in Bangladesh’s top-order batting lineup. This dynamic duo played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s series-clinching win.
Bangladesh, facing an uphill battle at 32-6, found a glimmer of hope through Rishad Hossain’s explosive 30-ball 53, marked by seven powerful sixes. However, Thushara, stepping up as the replacement for the injured Matheesha Pathirana, proved to be the game-changer, taking four wickets in just two overs, including a remarkable hat trick. This impactful performance dashed Bangladesh’s aspirations for a historic T20 series victory against Sri Lanka.
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