DHAKA Bangladesh snatched the gold medal in Twenty20 cricket event of 11th South Asian Games by upsetting favourites Sri Lanka in the final under lights by six runs at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium here on Sunday evening.
All-rounder Shabbir Rahman was the architect in his team's triumph, scoring an enterprising 21 off 19 balls with one four and one six and later took 4-31 with his leg-spinners to spearhead his team to an exciting victory. Bangladesh, batting first, scored a healthy 157-6 in their 20 overs. Opener Anamul Haque slammed an attacking 43 off 38 balls with four boundaries and skipper Mohammad Mithun banged five boundaries and hoisted one six in his 21-ball 37 before a chanting crowed of around 5000.
Sri Lanka, in reply, were dismissed for 151 on the penultimate ball of the match after needing 14 runs in the final over. Sachith Pathirana cracked a rapid-fire 36 in 21 balls with seven boundaries while Lahiru Thirimanne made 39 in 34 deliveries with three fours.
With their stunning win in a tension atmosphere, Bangladesh also avenged their 18-run loss to Sri Lanka in Rajshahi last Monday.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka were front runners for the gold medal, but the young guns from Bangladesh astonished everyone in the event inducted in the regional sporting extravaganza for the first time.
Pakistan defeated Nepal to take the bronze medal in the five-team competition which also included cricket minnows Maldives.
Summarised scores
BANGLADESH 157-7 in 20 overs (Anamul Haque 43, Mohammad Mithun 37, Shabbir Rahman 21; Sachith Pathirana 2-22, Thisara Perera 2-35); SRI LANKA 151 in 19.5 overs (Lahiru Thirimanne 39, Sachith Pathirana 36, Asan Priayanjan 25; Shabbir Rahman 4-31, Nasir Hossain 2-30).—APP
