Samarawickrama's Calm 48 Seals Sri Lanka's Semi-Final Spot After Bangladesh Scare
Sadheera Samarawickrama scored a crucial unbeaten 48 while Praboda picked up a career-best three-wicket haul as Sri Lanka overcame a brave Bangladesh effort to reach the semi-finals.
Sri Lanka held their nerve under intense pressure to secure a coveted spot in the semi-finals, overcoming a spirited Bangladesh side thanks to Sadheera Samarawickrama's ice-cool unbeaten 48.
The victory capped a hard-fought group campaign for Sri Lanka, ensuring their progression to the knockout stage while ending Bangladesh's hopes in a tense finish.
Earlier, bowler Praboda set up the contest with a career-best display, picking up three vital wickets to dismantle Bangladesh's top order and restrict their momentum during the crucial overs.
Chasing a tricky target on a pitch offering assistance to spin, Sri Lanka found themselves in trouble as Bangladesh's bowlers mounted relentless pressure with tight lines and regular strikes.
With the top order faltering, Samarawickrama stepped up with an exceptional exhibition of composure, rotating the strike cleanly and boundary-hitting only when absolute certainty allowed.
Samarawickrama anchored the lower-order partnerships, absorbing the mounting dot-ball pressure and steering his side across the finish line with overs to spare.
Sri Lanka now carry significant momentum into the semi-finals, having proven their resilience in high-stakes situations when under intense threat.