In a thrilling climax to the three-match T20 series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the Islanders emerged victorious by 28 runs in the final encounter. The highlight of the game was the outstanding performance by Nuwan Thushara, who not only claimed a brilliant fifer but also sealed the deal with a remarkable hat-trick.

Sri Lanka Innings: Kusal Mendis steals the show

Asked to bat first, Sri Lanka set a challenging target of 175 runs, posting a total of 174/7 in their 20 overs. Kusal Mendis stole the show with a stellar innings of 86 runs off 55 balls, including six fours and six sixes. Other notable contributions came from Dasun Shanaka (19 runs off 9 balls) and Wanindu Hasaranga (15 runs off 13 balls). Despite a commendable effort by Bangladesh bowlers, with Taskin Ahmed and Rishad Hossain taking two wickets each, Sri Lanka managed to put up a competitive total.

Nuwan Thushara’s wreaks havoc in Bangladesh camp

Chasing the target, Bangladesh faced early setbacks, struggling to build partnerships. Rishad provided a glimmer of hope with a blistering 53 off 30 balls, but Thushara’s exceptional bowling performance turned the tide in Sri Lanka’s favour. Thushara claimed five wickets for just 20 runs, displaying remarkable skill and precision. Despite Taskin’s valiant effort with 31 runs off 21 balls, Bangladesh fell short, getting bowled out for 146 in 19.4 overs.

Also READ: Meet Shefali Bagga, the charismatic presenter and anchor of Legends Cricket Trophy 2024

Nuwan Thushara’s hat-trick

Thushara’s dominance was evident from the beginning as he wreaked havoc in the 4th over of Bangladesh’s innings, claiming a brilliant hat-trick. The first victim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, fell victim to brilliant back of a length ball that moved in and kept slightly low, crashing into the stumps. Towhid Hridoy was the next to go, bowled by a good length ball that swung away substantially, hitting the off-stump. The hat-trick was completed with Mahmudullah adjudged LBW, showcasing Thushara’s skill in swinging the ball at good pace.

Here’s the video:

Hat-trick hero! 🔥

Nuwan Thusara’s slingy pace tore through Bangladesh’s lineup, etching his name in history.
.
.#BANvsSL #FanCode pic.twitter.com/cuB8p9DLAs

— FanCode (@FanCode) March 9, 2024

With this, Thushara became just the fifth Sri Lankan bowler to claim a hat-trick.

Sri Lanka seal the series

The three-match T20 series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka lived up to expectations with intense competition throughout the three T20 matches, but it was the visitors who eventually claimed the leg (2-1). Notably, Sri Lanka won the 1st T20I by a narrow margin of 3 runs, while Bangladesh bounced back in the 2nd T20I, winning by eight wickets.

Also READ: Ellyse Perry’s glamorous saree avatar and Smriti Mandhana’s funky look during RCB’s retro night wins hearts