Sri Lanka speedster Nuwan Thushara had a match to remember as his maiden-over hat-trick and match figures of 5/20 helped the island nation beat Bangladesh by 28 runs in the third T20I of the three-match series at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday (March 9). The victory in turn meant Sri Lanka bag the series 2-1, all because of the impressive performance by the pacer who has a slingy action, reminiscent of his compatriot and regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers Lasith Malinga.
Much like Malinga, Nuwan Thushara is all set to ply his trade for the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians (MI). Thushara was included by the five-time champions in their side at the IPL 2024 Auction for Rs 4.2 crore and the management would be happy to see his form heading into the IPL which gets underway on March 22.
Thushara cleaned up bowled Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain (1) and Towhid Hridoy (0) off the second and third balls of what was only his first over in the series. He then trapped Mahmudullah Riyad (0) lbw in the very next ball to complete a hat-trick and break the spine of the Bangladesh batting order who needed 175 to win.
Take a look at Nuwan Thushara's Hat-Trick here:
BAN vs SL 3rd T20I: Soumya Sarkar, Shoriful Islam The Other Victims Of Nuwan Thushara
Other than his hat-trick victims, the 29-year-old got rid of Soumya Sarkar for a duck, another batter he got out clean bowled while getting Shoriful Islam out caught for 4 off 2. Eventually, Bangladesh were bowled out for 146 in 19.4 overs. Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana and Dhananjaya de Silva were the other wicket-takers for Sri Lanka in the third T20I.