Sri Lanka v/s Bangladesh - Game 16

Sri Lanka v/s Bangladesh (Group B) at Port of Spain, Trinidad

Sri Lanka 318/4 in 50 overs (ST Jayasuriya 109, KC Sangakarra 56) beat Bangladesh 112 all out in 37 overs (Md. Ashraful 45, Malinga 27/3) by 198 runs (D/L method)
Match home

B'desh came into this match with huge expectations after their upset win over India. A good performance here would have pushed them closer to a berth in the Super 8. From India's point of view, they were hoping for the lankan lions to absolutely beat the daylights out of B'desh so that their run rate falls way below that of India. Batting first after being inserted in, SL amassed 318 runs, thanks largely to the ever marauding Sanath Jayasuriya. Despite being all of 37 yrs, Jayasuriya remains their biggest match-winner as he demonstrated today by smashing his 24th ODI century. Sangakarra, Jayawardene and L Silva also chipped in with useful scores to boost the Lankan total.

In reply, B'desh were never in the hunt and were duly bundled out by Vaas, Malinga and co for 112 runs. This results has done India a world of good, as they now only have to beat SL to progress and not worry about run-rates. For B'desh to qualify, SL will need to beat India. On evidence of today's performance, it would take a brave man to bet on India to go the next round

SL look is very good shape. Their batsmen lead by the inimitable Sanath Jayasuriya are in great form and their bowling trio of Vaas, Malinga and Muralitharan look in ominous mood. India will have to play out of their skins in their next game if the Lankan lions come out in the mood they did today.