Sri Lanka seal finals berth:
Sri Lanka have managed to overcome their run of defeats at the start of the series and the loss Angelo Mathews to keep themselves in the contention for the final © AFP
Gunathilaka scores the winning run as Sri Lanka took only 11.5 overs to reach the target. Gunathilaka finishes with an unbeaten 35 off 35 while Tharanga managed to outscore him with his 39 not out off 37. The facile victory has helped Sri Lanka book a berth in the final against Bangladesh. Sri Lanka's victory with 229 deliveries to spare is their biggest against Bangladesh in terms of ball remaining.
Fifty up for Sri Lanka:
The half-century stand is raised in the eighth over as Tharanga gets into the act. He has scored a couple of sixes, one each off Nasir Hossain and Abul Hasan. Gunathilaka is not to be left behind as he too has strikes a couple of sixes to help Sri Lanka closer.
Sri Lanka march forward in small chase:
Gunathilaka has helped Sri Lanka off to a positive start in the chase, having managed three boundaries so far. Upul Tharanga, on the other hand, has been slightly watchful. Sri Lanka are 25 for 0 after 4 overs.
Dismal Bangladesh fold for 82:
Mortaza is the ninth to depart, bowled by Sandakan after his failed attempt to play across the line. Rubel is the last to fall, holing out in the deep to become Sandakan's second scalp. That's a quick end to Bangladesh's innings as they are bowled out for 82 in 24 overs. Should be a straightforward chase for Sri Lanka to book a spot in the final.
Chameera strikes:
Having gone wicketless in his last six ODIs, Dushmantha Chameera finally gets amongst the wickets. Rahim dragged a pull to mid-wicket to depart for 26, followed soon after by Nasir Hossain, who handed Dickwella a catch. Bangladesh are 80 for 8.
Thisara strikes:
A poor shot from Sabbir results in his dismissal, giving Thisara Perera a wicket in the 17th over. The batsman tried to go over mid-on but failed to clear substitute fielder Madushanka who was stationed there. Abul Hasan departs a short while later, costing Bangladesh a review in the process, as he edges a Perera delivery to the 'keeper. Bangladesh are 71 for 6.
Rebuilding phase:
Mushfiqur and Sabbir have steadied the ship with their partnership. A few boundaries have been scored but they have remained watchful otherwise, taking Bangladesh past 50 in the 15th over. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka have missed an opportunity to send back Mushfiqur as Dickwella shells a chance down the leg side.
Lakmal bags one more:
The resistance fromMahmudullah and Mushfiqur comes to an end as Lakmal picks up his third wicket. A short delivery from Lakmal did the trick as Mahmudullah pulled it to fine leg where Chameera took a good catch. Bangladesh slip to 34 for 4.
Another wicket:
From 15 for 2, Bangladesh slip to 16 for 3 as Tamim is dismissed by Lakmal. It was a delivery that had extra bounce and scooped up to cover point where Gunathilaka dived to take a superb catch, extending his superb day on the field having effected a direct hit earlier to get rid of Shakib.
Early wickets:
Following a quiet start, Bangladesh lost their first wicket in the third over as Anamul Haque chopped on a Suranga Lakmal delivery to depart for a six-ball duck. Shakib Al Hasan started in a positive fashion with a couple of confident drives for boundaries. However, his innings came to an abrupt halt as the allrounder was run out after a poor call from Tamim Iqbal. Bangladesh are 15 for 2 in the fifth over.
Toss and teams:
Bangladesh opt to bat and make one change, bringing in Abul Hasan for Sunzamul Islam. Sri Lanka include Danushka Gunathilaka and Dushmantha Chameera in place of Kusal Perera and Nuwan Pradeep.
Bangladesh (Playing XI): Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman, Nasir Hossain, Mashrafe Mortaza(c), Abul Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Upul Tharanga, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal(c), Asela Gunaratne, Niroshan Dickwella(w), Thisara Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Lakshan Sandakan, Akila Dananjaya, Dushmantha Chameera
Prelude:
Hello and welcome to the Live Blog for the sixth game of the tri-series, featuring Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. While the hosts are already through to the final after registering three successive victories - all with a bonus point - the outcome of this game will determine the other finalist. A win will guarantee Sri Lanka a spot in the final and they can get through even if they lose the game, but they have to ensure that their Net Run Rate doesn't slip below Zimbabwe. While we await the details of the toss and the teams, have a look at the preview.