Sri Lanka Takes Lead with Upset Victory Over Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s Disappointing Collapse

Bangladesh faced a significant collapse due to Sri Lankan spin bowling, resulting in a 77-run defeat in the first ODI at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on July 2. Charith Asalanka’s solid century and Kusal Mendis’ 45 helped Sri Lanka score a competitive 244. In response, Bangladesh started well but faltered dramatically after the 17th over. Jaker Ali’s valiant 51 couldn’t prevent the team from crumbling to 167 all out.

Sri Lanka’s Battling Start

Sri Lanka’s innings began poorly after choosing to bat, quickly falling to 29 for 3 within eight overs. Leading batsman Pathum Nissanka was dismissed for a duck, caught while attempting to cut a delivery from Tanzim Hasan Sakib. Nishan Madushka also fell early, leaving Sri Lanka reeling. However, Kusal Mendis played impressively at the other end, scoring boundaries to stabilize the innings alongside Asalanka.

Asalanka’s Leadership in Runs

Kusal and Asalanka formed a crucial 60-run partnership before Mendis was dismissed by debutant Tanvir Islam. Asalanka continued his dominance, hitting a six and reaching fifty off 61 balls while Janith Liyanage supported him. Despite Bangladesh’s efforts to counter, Shanto’s bowling saw them claim another wicket, but Asalanka continued to drive Sri Lanka’s innings forward.

Final Overs of Sri Lanka’s Innings

Asalanka was involved in multiple partnerships, including a 39-run stand with Milan Rathnayake before being dismissed in the last over, where he achieved his fifth ODI century. Despite Sri Lanka’s push for runs, they finished with a respectable score of 244 as Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan were key bowlers for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s Early Promises Fizzles

In their reply, Bangladesh’s openers started well but soon fell apart. After Emon was caught attempting a slog, the team seemed to lose momentum, ending up losing seven wickets for just five runs. This collapse left them at 105 for 8, crippling their chances of chasing down the target.

Game Conclusion

Though Jaker Ali attempted to stage a comeback with some boundaries, Hasaranga’s bowling sealed Bangladesh’s fate, trapping him in front to finish the innings in the 36th over. Ultimately, Sri Lanka triumphed by 77 runs.

Brief scores: Sri Lanka 244 in 49.2 overs (Charith Asalanka 106, Kusal Mendis 45; Taskin Ahmed 4-47, Tanzim Hasan Sakib 3-46) defeated Bangladesh 167 in 35.5 overs (Tanzid Hasan 62, Jaker Ali 51; Wanindu Hasaranga 4-10, Kamindu Mendis 3-19) by 77 runs.