Tigers on top as debutant Ebadot strikes twice in his first over

Sri Lanka began their chase well initially but debutant Ebadot Hossain brought life for the Tigers by striking twice in his first over and removing the third Lankan batter as well.

The Lankans, chasing 184, are 71 for three after eight overs in the two teams' do-or-die encounter to remain in the Asia Cup in Dubai tonight.

Bangladesh bowlers bowled economically in the first half of Powerplay, conceding 13 runs in three overs. Pacer Taskin Ahmed was unlucky to have remained wicket-less as wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim dropped Kusal Mendis, batting on two.

Both the openers -- Mendis and Pathum Nissanka -- then combined to hit five boundaries in the next two overs, including three maximums. Sri Lanka had their desired momentum until Ebadot was introduced in the sixth over by Shakib Al Hasan.

Ebadot first removed Nissanka (20) and followed it up with dismissing Charith Asalanka (1) with some fine display of short-pitched bowling.

Mendis kept riding his luck as the batter survived a leg-before dismissal off the off-spinner Mahedi Hasan, who bowled a no-ball.  

Ebadot was in action in his next over as the pacer removed Danushka Gunathilaka, courtesy of a brilliant catch by Taskin ahmed, who ran 20 meters in the outfield. 

Earlier, the Tigers amassed 183 for seven in 20 overs after being asked to bat first, courtesy of some fine stroke-making by Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Afif Hossain Dhrubo and Mosaddek Hossain.