Shehan claims hat- trick, Lankans emerge champs

Dhaka, Jan. 27: Shehan Madushanka became the fourth bowler in history to claim a hat- trick on debut as Sri Lanka crushed Bangladesh by 79 runs to win the tri- nation one- day international tournament in Dhaka on Saturday.

The 22- year- old pacer claimed Bangladesh’s last three wickets before finishing with 3/ 26 as Sri Lanka defended their modest score of 221 runs by bowling out Bangladesh for 142 in 41.1 overs.

Madushanka took the wickets of Rubel Hossain and Mashrafe Mortaza in the last two balls of his sixth over before he removed Mahmudullah Riyad in the next over to complete his hat- trick.

He joined South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada, Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam and team mate Wanidu Hasaranga who have also achieved the rare feat.

Mahmudullah staged a valiant fight for Bangladesh with 76 off 92 balls but he lacked support from the Bangladesh side, which missed the batting of allrounder Shakib Al Hasan due to a finger injury game.

Medium pacer Dushmantha Chameera and spinner Akila Dananjaya claimed two wickets each for Sri Lanka.

Earlier, fast bowler Rubel claimed four wickets to help Bangladesh dismiss Sri Lanka for 221 runs on a sluggish pitch at the Sher- eBangla National Stadium.

Hossain, who returned figures of 4/ 46, was ably supported by fellow paceman Mustafizur Rahman ( 2/ 29) as the hosts made regular strikes after the visitors elected to bat first.

Upul Tharanga top- scored with 56 off 99 balls while skipper Dinesh Chandimal added 45. Wicketkeeperbatsman Niroshan Dickwella made 42.

Sri Lanka will now play two Test matches against Bangladesh with the first Test beginning in the port city of Chittagong on January 31.

The Test series will follow two Twenty20 internationals between the two teams.

SHAKIB RULED OUT Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan was ruled out of he suffered in the the first Test against Sri Lanka after suffering a finger injury.

Shakib hurt the base of the little finger of his left hand during the 42nd over of Sri Lanka’s innings in the final and was unable to continue at the Sher- eBangla National Stadium.

Bangladesh Cricket Board senior physician Debashish Chowdhury said an X- ray did not find any fracture but the injury required stitches.

“He has been assessed by a cosmetic surgeon and necessary repairs have been done,” Chowdhury said in a statement.

“The affected finger will have to be immobilised for at least a week before a further assessment is made, which means he is out of the first Test in Chittagong,” he added.

Scores: Sri Lanka 221 in 50 overs ( U. Tharanga 56, N. Dickwella 42, D. Chandimal 45, R. Hossain 4/ 46, M. Rahman 2/ 29) bt Bangladesh ( Mahmudullah 76, S. Madushanka 3/ 26, D. Chameera 2/ 17, A. Dananjaya 2/ 30).