Brave Mushfiqur keeps Tigers alive

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A brilliant and brave unbeaten 72 from Mushfiqur Rahim ensured that Bangladesh completed the fourth highest chase in T20I history.

Set a target of 215 to win Bangladesh were rank outsiders after a poor effort in the field but an explosive start provided Mushfiqur with the platform off of which to win the game.

Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera had struck fifties for Sri Lanka as they reached an imposing total of 214 for 6.

Mendis (57) shared a 56 run stand with Danushka Gunathilaka (26) before putting on 85 for the second wicket with Perera.

Perera (74) kept their roll going for some time but a flurry of wickets slowed Sri Lanka down at the death.

Upul Tharanga (32*) ensured Sri Lanka still powered to a big score while Mustafizur Rahman (3/48) was the pick of the Tiger’s bowlers.

In reply Bangladesh started well with Tamim Iqbal (47) and Liton Das (43) getting them off to a perfect start.

Soumya Sarkar (24) played a restrained innings in support of Tamim and Mushfiqur through the middle overs.

Mushfiqur injured his leg during the chase and finished the game limping but was still able to strike the lusty blows his team needed to get over the line with two balls to spare.

Each team in the tri-series now has one win apiece though India have played just two games whereas Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have played three.

Scorecard

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