Sri Lanka, set 153 for the title of the event that also includes Zimbabwe, were into trouble after losing five wickets for six runs in eight overs. But a fine half-century by Kumar Sangakkara, and unbeaten thirties from Murali and Farveez Mahroof saved the former world champions from blushes.
Sangakkara scored 59 off 132 balls and fell as seventh wicket with Sri Lanka still needing 39 runs in 41 balls. Nuwan Kulasekara was out for duck to pave way for Murali onto the crease.
Murali took advantages of full deliveries hitting two sixes and two fours with his trademark slog-shots and won the match by two wickets for his team with 11 balls remaining. Mahroof made 38 while the only other batsman to score double-digit was Jehan Mubarak (16).
Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and invited Bangladesh to bat first. The hosts were wrecked by Kulasekara (3/19) and Ajantha Mendis (3/24). They managed only 152 in 49.4 overs.
Raqibul Hasan was unbeaten on 46 while other notable contributions came from Mahmudullah (26) and Naeem Islam (21). Murali bowled 10 overs for a wicket giving away 33 runs – exactly the score he made for the victory.
Bangladesh had entered the final defeating Sri Lanka by five wickets two days ago.
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