Taskin & Mehedi turn the tide, Sri Lanka reeling at 75/3 after powerplay blitz

In a fiery opening spell that swung the momentum firmly in Bangladesh’s favour, Taskin Ahmed and Sheikh Mehedi Hasan Miraz ripped through Sri Lanka’s top order after a blazing start leaving them at 75/3 in 10.2 overs at the time of reporting in Dubai.

Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Bangladesh got off to a shaky start as Sri Lanka’s openers — Pathum Nishanka and Kusal Mendis — tore into the attack, smashing 44 runs in the first 5 overs. Left-arm pacer Shariful Islam bore the early brunt, struggling to contain the aggressive strokeplay.

But the game changed in an instant when Taskin Ahmed, introduced as the third bowler, struck with his very first breakthrough.

A short, sharp delivery outside off — Nishanka went for the pull, got a top edge, and Saif Hasan took a comfortable catch at midwicket. The breakthrough came at 44/1.

Sri Lanka looked to rebuild through Kusal Mendis (34 off 22) and Kamil Mishara, but spinner Sheikh Mehedi had other plans.

Trying to clear the ropes, Mendis launched one towards long-on — but only found Saif’s safe hands. Sri Lanka: 58/2.

Next over — disaster for Lanka. Mishara attempted a reckless reverse scoop… and was clean bowled. Sri Lanka: 65/3.

Mehedi’s twin strikes — calm, calculated, and clinical — turned a promising Sri Lankan start into a collapse. His figures so far: 2-0-14-2.

Bangladesh’s bowling unit, led by the fiery Taskin (1/18) and the crafty Mehedi (2/14), has clawed back control after a nervy powerplay. Mostafizur Rahman and Nasum Ahmed are yet to bowl — adding further pressure on the Lankan middle order.

Bangladesh Playing XI:

Tanjid Tamim, Saif Hasan, Liton Das (c & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Zaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain Patwary, Nasum Ahmed, Shariful Islam, Sheikh Mehedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mostafizur Rahman.

Sri Lanka Playing XI:

Pathum Nishanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Vellalaghe, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara.