In a hard-fought match at the Hong Kong Sixes 2024, Bangladesh came up short, losing by 18 runs to Sri Lanka in their final group-stage clash. Despite the loss, both teams advanced to the next round of the tournament.

Bangladesh, winning the toss, chose to bowl first. Sri Lanka's aggressive start was briefly interrupted when opener Sandun Weerakkody fell to Sohag Gazi after scoring 18 off 6 balls. But the real damage came from Thanuka Dabare and Lihuru Madhusanka, who put on a show with relentless boundary-hitting to keep the scoreboard moving.

Thanuka smashed 32 off 12 balls, while Madhusanka remained unbeaten, playing a superb knock of 48 runs off just 17 deliveries. By the end of their allotted 6 overs, Sri Lanka reached 107/3. For Bangladesh, Jishan Alam shone in the final over, conceding only 6 runs and grabbing 2 quick wickets.

Chasing 108, Bangladesh stumbled early with the loss of captain Yasir Ali for just 6 off 2 balls. But Jishan Alam and Mohammad Saifuddin picked up the pace, fighting to keep Bangladesh in the hunt. Zishan managed a quickfire 27 from 13 balls before being dismissed, leaving Saifuddin to carry the innings. Saifuddin’s unbeaten 42 off 17 balls kept hopes alive, but the asking rate remained too high, and Bangladesh closed their innings at 89/3, falling 18 runs short. Lahiru Samarakoon’s disciplined bowling saw him claim 2 crucial wickets for Sri Lanka, playing a key role in restricting the Bangladesh run chase.