The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Hosts Bangladesh clinched the most coveted and maiden gold medal in the newly introduced South Asian Games cricket by beating Sri Lanka by six runs in an exciting final at the floodlit Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka's Mirpur on Sunday.

With the winning of the precious gold in the T20 Cricket, denying their world giant sub-continental rivals, Bangladesh's gold tally rises to a record 14 since the inception of the SA Games in 1984 in Kathmandu.

A generous bounty of Tk 15 lakh each now awaits the cricket champions from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, as announced in advance.

With the day's feat, Bangladesh not only proved their worth in the shorter version of the cricket but also took a sweet revenge of the 18-run defeat against Sri Lanka in the league matches.

Batting first after winning the toss in the day's final, Bangladesh posted 157 for 7 in the stipulated 20 overs.

Opener Anamul Haque hammered 43 runs off 38 balls with four fours while skipper Mohammad Mithun quick-fired 37 off 21 deliveries featuring five fours and a six.

One-down Sabbir Rahman (21) and two-down Nasir Hossain (14) were the other notable scorers for the host team.

Sachith Pathirana and Thisara Perera claimed two wickets each conceding 22 and 35 runs respectively.

In reply, the Lankans were all out for 151 runs in 19.5 overs.

In reply, the Lankans were all out for 151 runs in 19.5 overs. Lahiru Thirimanne contributed 39 runs off 34 balls with three fours and Sachith Pathirana smashed 36 runs off 21 balls with seven fours.

Ashan Pdrfiyanjan (25) and Nisham Mazahir (12) and Angelo Jayapatne (12) were the other notable scorers for the tourists.

Sabbir Rahman grabbed four wickets for 31 runs while Nasir Hossain captured two for 30 runs.