Bangladesh didn't bat well as a unit: Shakib Al Hasan

Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan has rued that his side did not bat well as a unit. While acknowledging that the surface in Pallekele was not where 300 could be scored, he reckons 220-230 might have given them a fighting chance.

Bangladesh huffed and puffed to 164, of which Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 89 off 122.

"It wasn't a 300 wicket. 220-230 would've given us more chance. Didn't bat well as a unit. Have to regroup, have another important game in a couple of days," Shakib said after the match.

"Needed a couple more wickets when they were 3 down for 30. We picked up wickets but didn't have enough on the board. There were a lot of nerves when we started the game. A lot of guys are playing Asia Cup for the first time. They've been playing good cricket that's why they're in the dressing room."

Sri Lanka lost five wickets in the chase, but a level-headed 62 not out of 92 by Charith Asalanka and a valiant 54 off 77 by Sadeera Samarawickrama helped the Asia Cup co-hosts to a five-wicket victory in the end.

Skipper Dasun Shanaka was particularly pleased with the way his bowlers delivered.

"The way bowlers executed, credit to them. Especially [Maheesh] Theekshana up front, Dhananjaya [de Silva], and [Matheesha] Pathirana who's bowling so well. Tricky surface. The way Sadeera batted, today was his day. Asalanka has been outstanding over the last two years. Good signs for Sri Lankan cricket," Shanaka said.

Fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, who finished with figures of 4 for 32, was delighted to have his first-ever Player of the Match award representing his country.

"This is my first POTM for my country - really happy about that. T20 skills are good for death overs. That's why I took my wickets with the slower balls. My action is unpredictable. It's a good advantage for me," the 20-year-old said.

Bangladesh travel to Multan for their next game, which will be against Afghanistan on Sunday (September 3). On the other hand, Sri Lanka also take on Afghanistan, but they will play their match at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Tuesday (September 5).