Kusal Mendis scored a blistering 60 as Sri Lanka registered a stunning two-wicket win over Bangladesh in Group B fixture in Dubai on Thursday.
After being put into bat by Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka, Asitha Fernando drew first blood by dismissing Sabbir Rahman, caught behind the stumps while attempting a pull for 5.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz along with Shakib Al Hasan added 39 runs for the second wicket before the former (38) was bowled by Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva, while attempting a sweep across the line.
Chamika Karunaratne then got into the act by dismissing Mushfiqur Rahim early as Bangladesh were reduced to 63/3.
Skipper Shakib Al Hasan looked good during his knock of 24, before being cleaned up by Maheesh Theekshana for a 22 ball-24.
The pair of Afif Hossain and Mahmudullah anchored the innings with a valuable 57 run stand for the fifth wicket before the former perished to Dilshan Madushanka for a 22 ball-39.
Mahmudallah then top edged a slog sweep off De Silva to Karunaratne for 27.
However a late flourish from Mosaddek Hossain (24)* took Bangladesh to 183/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga (2/41) and Chamika Karunaratne (2/32) picked up two wickets each.
Chasing 184, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis got Sri Lanka off to a solid start. The duo added 45 runs for the opening stand before the former top edged a pull off Ebadot Hossain to Mustafizur Rahman at mid wicket for 20.
Hossain then also dismissed Charith Asalanka and Danushka Gunathilaka cheaply leaving Sri Lankans in a spot of bother at 67/3.
Mendis and Dasun Shanaka formed a crucial stand of 54 runs for the fifth wicket. However Bangladesh fought back by claiming two wickets in quick succession to reduce Sri Lanka to 141/6.
Mahedi Hasan dashed Sri Lanka’s hopes by claiming the prize scalp of the dangerous Shanaka for a 33 ball-45.
However tailender Asitha Fernando (10)* held his nerves and took his team past the finishing line with three balls to spare.
With the win, Sri Lanka have qualified for the Super Four stage along with India and Afghanistan.