A thrilling performance by Nuwan Thushara and a majestic batting display from Kusal Mendis steered Sri Lanka to a captivating 28-run triumph over Bangladesh in the concluding T20I match, clinching the series 2-1 on a lively Saturday in Sylhet. Sri Lanka’s remarkable victory was underpinned by Mendis’s powerful knock of 86 runs off 55 balls at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, marking it as his personal best score in T20I cricket and setting Sri Lanka on course for a competitive total of 174.
The game took an exhilarating turn when Nuwan Thushara, who joined the 29-year-old elite list of players with a T20I hat-trick, spurred a Sri Lankan dismantling of the Bangladeshi batting order. Thushara’s fast bowling session was nothing short of spectacular, as his lethal deliveries claimed the wickets of the Bangladesh captain Najmul Shanto and Towhid Hridoy in consecutive balls, imprinting his name in cricketing lore.
An electrified crowd at the stadium watched in sheer amazement as Thushara’s next ball trapped the experienced Mahmudullah lbw, concluding a historic hat-trick and catapulting himself into cricketing stardom. Thushara’s relentless attack did not subside, as he went on to secure a five-for with the dismissal of Shoriful Islam, thus earning his first international five-wicket haul and the coveted Player of the Match award.
Reflecting on his remarkable achievement, Thushara, overcome with emotion, expressed his elation in the post-match presentation: “I’m happy that I found my rhythm, and that I was able to do well the things that I’m good at and make an impact on the game,” Thushara said. “I’m really happy, it was the first hat-trick in my life. In a match like this, I’m just pleased to be able to help the team.”
The early groundwork for this victory saw Dhananjaya de Silva take a critical wicket of Litton Das, setting the stage for Thushara’s subsequent bowling marvels. Sri Lanka’s cohesive team performance, from the solid batting start to the lethal closing bowling, was a testament to their adaptability and prowess in the T20 format.
This victory not only bolstered Sri Lanka’s cricketing credentials but also served as a vivid demonstration of individual talent reaching fruition at pivotal moments. As the cricket world marvels at the series-clinching performance, Thushara looks ahead to an exciting chapter of his career in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. The pacer heads to the upcoming tournament with the wind in his sails having been signed by Mumbai Indians for a colossal contract worth INR 4.2 crore during the IPL 2024 auction held last December. The bid was a riveting one, with Mumbai Indians outbidding powerful rivals Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore for the Sri Lankan pacer who has also demonstrated skills in other leagues, representing MI Cape Town in the SA20 and Dubai Capitals in the ILT20.
As the Mumbai Indians strategize for the impending IPL, they have shored up their bowling ensemble by also acquiring Dilshan Madushanka for INR 4.6 crore and South African speedster Gerald Coetzee for INR 5 crore. With the addition of Thushara’s incisive pace bowling, Mumbai Indians are poised to substantially uplift their bowling attack, making them a formidable force in the league.
As these cricketing tales unfold, it is clear that Thushara’s journey from the Sri Lankan pitches to the grandeur of IPL cricket is a beacon of inspiration and a testament to the unparalleled excitement and drama that T20 cricket incessantly supplies.
