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Pathum Nissanka’s fluent half-century and an unbeaten knock from Kamil Mishara guided Sri Lanka to a comfortable six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in their Asia Cup Group B contest in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Chasing 140, Sri Lanka reached the target with 32 balls to spare, finishing at 140 for four in 14.4 overs. Nissanka anchored the chase with a 34-ball 50, which was also his first T20I half-century against Bangladesh. Mishara on the other hand, remained unbeaten on 46. Their second-wicket stand of 95 off just 52 deliveries set the tone for a dominant performance. Bangladesh struck early when Mustafizur Rahman dismissed Kusal Mendis in the second over, but the breakthrough did little to slow the scoring.Mishara, who survived a tough chance offered on one, went on to punish Shoriful Islam by smashing 18 runs in a single over, including two boundaries and a six. Nissanka, meanwhile, crossed the 2,000-run milestone in T20 internationals during his innings, marked by six fours and a six. Sri Lanka wobbled briefly after Nissanka and Kusal Perera fell in quick succession to Mahedi Hasan, slipping from 108/1 to 126/4. However, Mishara and Charith Asalanka (10*) ensured there were no late twists, closing out the match comfortably. Batting first, Bangladesh were restricted to 139/5 after being reduced to 54/5 inside 10 overs. The damage was inflicted by Sri Lanka’s seamers, with Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera striking in consecutive wicket-maidens at the start. Wanindu Hasaranga then added pressure through a spell of 2 for 25. It took a composed partnership between Shamim Hossain and Jaker Ali to help Bangladesh reach a respectable total. From a dangerous position, the pair combined for an unbeaten 86-run stand, with Shamim finishing on 42 not out and Jaker on 41 not out. Their counterattack spared Bangladesh further embarrassment after a top-order collapse that also included a sharp direct hit from Mishara to dismiss Towhid Hridoy.
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Despite that recovery, Bangladesh’s bowlers could not capitalise, leaving Sri Lanka to coast home for their first win of the campaign.
