Bangladesh in Sri Lanka, 2013

01 April 2013

Bangladesh ended their Sri Lanka tour with a fighting 17 run loss against the hosts at Pallekelle International Stadium at Kandy today.  Bangladesh invited Sri Lanka after winning the toss and the hosts piled up 198 for 5 in 20 overs against an ill disciplined Bangladesh attack. However, it would be fair to say that the outcome of the match was largely decided by some inept umpiring decisions which have again raised the importance of neutral umpires in all international matches.

Both on-field umpires showed complete disregard to the spirit of the game as they handed out one after another error strewn decisions; not surprisingly all of them went against the visitors. Sri Lanka total was boosted by some helpful umpiring decisions as the hero of Sri Lanka innings Kusal Perera was out first ball of the match and Angelo Mathews was truck plumb in font in the 15^th over before the late flourish, but both of them were declared not out. However the umpires changed their allegiance from the batsmen to the bowlers when Bangladesh came onto bat.

Shamsur Rahman was outside the popping crease in the first over of the chase and the ball would have sailed well over stumps, and Ashraful was hit outside leg stump in the 8^th Over of Bangladesh innings; this time both of them were given out. Bangladesh were hard done by both decisions, but Ashraful’s one was a rank poor decision even if it was backyard cricket match. Four mistakes at crucial junctures of the game show the umpires are not simply fit for purpose or wholly biased.

Despite the unhelpful officiating, Bangladesh fought admirably and was well on course to challenge the total. However, two quick wickets in the 15^th over of Bangladesh innings derailed the chase as both set batsmen, Mushfiq and Mahmudullah, fell to the spin bowling of Suchitra Senanayake.  Some late hitting by Mominul Haque could only reduce the margin of defeat who did not have enough support at the other end to seriously challenge the Sri Lankan total. 

Bangladesh won the final rain-curtailed ODI against Sri Lanka to tie the series 1-1. 

The 2nd ODI was abandoned after only 5 overs when persistent rain prevented any further play. Bangladesh won the toss and sent in Sri Lanka to bat. The Lankan openers got off to a rapid start, punishing the wayward Bangladesh fast bowlers. They had reached 33 runs for no loss when the heavens open up. The two teams now move on to the third and final ODI with the hosts leading the series 1-0.

Sri Lanka, chasing a revised target of 238 in 41 overs following a power failure, won the day-night match with 32 balls to spare. 

The record-breaking opening Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh ended in a draw on the fifth and final day at the Galle International Stadium.

Bangladesh, chasing 268-runs for victory in the final session, ended at 70-1 in their second innings after Sri Lanka had declared at tea on 335-4.

The visitors were bowled out for 638 in their first innings on Monday in reply to Sri Lanka's 570-4 declared.

The second and final Test starts in Colombo on Saturday.

Details to follow.

Top all-rounder Shakib Al hasan may miss the Test series against Sri Lanka next month. According to BCB physician Debasish Chowdhuty said that the scans revealed that Shakib is suffering from "exertional compartment syndrome" on his shin bone, a condition that leads to pain and swelling and  can be caused by frequent running.

"The CT and bone scan didn't reveal any major damages. His problems can be managed by physiotherapy, physical exercise and controlled participation in sports," Chowdhury said. "Whether he will play Tests will depend on Shakib and the selectors."

Shakib had missed the recent ODI home series against the West Indies and was given six-weeks rest.

The decision on Shakib's participation will be taken at a BCB operations committe meeting.

Bangladesh will play two Tests in Sri Lanka in March, as well as three ODIs and a Twenty20.