Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka credited his bowlers for executing their plans after their five-wicket win against Bangladesh at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele on Thursday. After Shakib Al Hasan won the toss and decided to bat first, Sri Lanka was able to get early wickets to put themselves in front.

The Tigers were reduced to 36-3 after 10.4 overs as Mohammad Naim, Tanzid Hasan, and Shakib Al Hasan were all dismissed cheaply. In fact, barring Najmul Hossain Shanto (who scored a fine knock of 89 runs), none of the Bangladesh batters could show any resistance with the bat as they were skittled out for 164 runs in 42.4 overs.

Matheesha Pathirana scalped four wickets in his fine spell and conceded only 32 runs in 7.4 overs he bowled. Pathirana made the most of the known and slow conditions on offer and breathed down the neck of the Bangladesh batters.

Furthermore, Maheesh Theekshana snared two wickets whereas Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka, and Dunith Wellalage bagged one wicket apiece.

“Absolutely, credit to the bowlers for the way they executed our plans. Dhananjaya de Silva, Maheesh Theeskahana and of course Matheesha Pathirana, he was amazing. We saw it in the LPL. I thought, and our team had a group discussion, and therefore the decision of holding Pathirana late,” said Shanaka in the post-match presentation.

On the other hand, Sadeera Samarawickrama scored 54 runs whereas Charith Asalanka scored an unbeaten 62 to take Sri Lanka over the line in the run-chase.

“I think Sadeera, the way he batted, he took the chance and did a great job. And Charith, he has been doing these for Sri Lanka for the past two years and once again was brilliant. Thank You so much,” Shanaka added.

Sri Lanka will next take on Afghanistan at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Tuesday.