Jayasuriya demolishes Bangladesh

Asia Cup - Bangladesh v Sri Lanka
July 23, 2004 at Colombo

Sri Lanka predictably maintained an unbeaten run in the Asia Cup, by comfortably defeating the minnows Bangladesh in the third match of the second round by 10 wickets, thanks to former captain Sanath Jayasuriya's 17th One-Day International century.

Chasing 191 for a win, Sri Lankan openers Jayasuriya and Avishka Gunawardene knocked off the runs in a mere 33.3 overs, ensuring a bonus point, and thus virtually a place in the Finals.

Earlier, Bangladesh recovered well after a horrible start, losing theird first 4 wickets within first 15 overs, one each to Sri Lanka's three pacemen Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga and Farveez Maharoof, plus a run out.

Bangladesh's most accomplished batsman Mohammed Ashraful top scored the innings with 66 before being run out, the second of three batsmen to be dismissed similarly. However, before his fall, Ashraful shared a 110-run fifth wicket stand with Manjural Islam Rana, who was the second highest scorer for the innings.

Chaminda Vaas was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers, finishing with 30-3 off his quota of 10 overs. Meanwhile, Lasith Malinga, playing his first match of the tournament, in place of the rested Nuwan Zoysa, impressed as well picking up 24-1 off 9 overs.

Bangladesh bowling never threatened the Sri Lankan openers, who took care of the new ball bowlers first, and then the three left-arm spinners.

Jayasuriya in particular was severe on the bowlers, scoring at over run-a-ball, while Gunarawardene tried to turn patches of good form thus far in the tournament into a solid performane.

Bangladesh 190 for 9 (50 overs)
Mohammed Ashraful 66(120), Manjural Islam Rana 43(84), Chaminda Vaas 30-3(10), Lasith Malinga 24/1(9), Muttiah Muralitharan 26-1(10)
Sri Lanka 191 for 0 (33.3 overs)
Sanath Jayasuriya 107*(101), Avishka Gunawardene 64*(100)

Sri Lanka (6 points) beat Bangladesh (0 points) by 10 wickets.

Posted by Sudeep