Asia Cup 2016: Sabbir, Shakib power Bangladesh to 147/7 against Sri Lanka

Sabbir Rahman hit a career-best 80 as Bangladesh reached 147/7 against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup on Sunday.

Sri Lanka reduced Bangladesh to a precarious 2/2 before Rahman imposed himself to steer Bangladesh to a challenging total.

During his innings he was involved in a mix-up with Mushfiqur Rahim that resulted in a run-out leaving Bangladesh at 26/3.

Shakib al Hasan scored 32 to give Rahman handy support as they combined for an 82-run stand for the fourth wicket.

Rahman survived a close call when on 46 as Kapugedara failed to hold on to a catch on the boundary rope. Instead the ball went for a six to give Rahman his third T20 half-century.

He was then in full control until fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera (3/30) got him with a slower delivery. Angelo Mathews, captaining Sri Lanka in Lasith Malinga’s absence, opened bowling as well and struck with his second delivery. Mohammad Mithun, who scored a good 47 in Bangladesh’s last match against the UAE, was trapped lbw for a two-ball duck.

Sabbir smashed ten fours and three sixes in his 54-ball knock. Earlier, Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza decided to bat first as Sri Lanka skipper Malinga was ruled out with a knee injury. Thisara Perera replaced him.