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Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by a resounding 77 runs to begin their ODI series, thanks to a stellar hundred from skipper Charith Asalanka and a devastating bowling display led by Wanindu Hasaranga and Kamindu Mendis. Batting first at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Sri Lanka posted 244 in 49.2 overs, a total that looked modest initially but proved more than enough. Asalanka stood tall amid the early collapse, scoring 106 off 123 deliveries — his fifth ODI ton and second as captain. His innings featured six boundaries and four sixes, and came at a time when Sri Lanka were reeling at 29 for 3.
Despite the loss, Bangladesh had their moments, especially with the ball. With figures of 4 for 47, Taskin Ahmed, who had just recovered from an ankle injury, was the best bowler. He struck crucial early blows, removing Nishan Madushka and Kamindu Mendis cheaply. Youngster Tanzim Hasan Sakib also impressed with 3 for 46, including the early wicket of Pathum Nissanka. Bangladesh's bowlers regularly chipped away at the Sri Lankan batting line-up, but Asalanka's steady presence ensured Sri Lanka posted a fighting total.
Bangladesh began their chase confidently. Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto added 71 for the second wicket and looked in control at 100 for 1. However, in one of the most dramatic collapses in recent ODI history, they crumbled to 105 for 8 in the space of just 20 deliveries. The collapse was triggered by Shanto's run-out in the 17th over, courtesy of debutant Milan Rathnayake's sharp throw. That opened the floodgates.
Wanindu Hasaranga struck twice in the very next over, trapping Litton Das lbw and then dismissing the well-set Tanzid Hasan (62 off 61) with help from a sensational diving catch by Janith Liyanage. Kamindu Mendis, using both left-arm orthodox and right-arm off-spin, delivered the best ball of the match to bowl Towhid Hridoy and then took two more wickets in a brilliant 21st over. Between them, Hasaranga (4/10) and Kamindu (3/19) shared seven wickets and demolished Bangladesh's hopes.
Late in the innings, Jaker Ali was the only player to put up some opposition, scoring a counterattacking 51 with four sixes and four boundaries. His knock helped Bangladesh avoid an even more embarrassing margin, but the damage had already been done.
This impressive all-around performance will boost Sri Lanka, particularly the way they bounced back from early batting failures. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has to improve on their encouraging beginnings and solve their middle-order fragility. The second ODI promises a crucial opportunity for redemption.
