Sri Lanka win after Tigers give them tough fight

DHAKA: Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by three wickets in the last league match of the 12th Asia Cup to remain unbeaten in the tournament.

Hosts Bangladesh, who have been winless in the tournament, gave Sri Lanka a tough fight to win their last match of the event.

Chasing 205, Sri Lanka made a disastrous start losing three wickets for only eight runs as Bangladeshi pace bowler Al-Amin Hossain dismissed opener Kusal Perera for naught and experienced batsman Kumar Sangakkara for two while veteran batsman Mahela Jayawardene was run out for naught.

However, Lahiru Thirimanne and Ashan Priyanjan made some recovery, adding 39 runs for the fourth wicket before the latter departed for 24.

Later, Thirimanne also made exit for 33 at the score of 75.

Then, captain Angelo Mathews and Chaturanga de Silva came to take the challenge and made 82 valuable runs for the sixth wicket partnership taking Sri Lanka to 157-6 when De Silva was out for 44.

Now Sri Lanka needed 48 runs in ten overs which they achieved for the loss of Thisara Perera (15), with one over left.

Mathews who led Sri Lanka from the front, remained not out on 74. He hit seven fours and a six in his 103-ball innings.