Bangladesh smashed Sri Lanka by 33 runs in the first of three-match ODI series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Sunday. Tigers now lead the series 1-0.
Mushfiqur Rahim’s 84 propelled Bangladesh to a challenging total of 257. He won the ‘Man of the Match’ trophy. Chasing 257, Sri Lanka were all out for 224 in 48.1 overs. Defending just below 260, the Tigers’ bowlers leaked run initially but after the wicket of opener Danushka Gunathilaka Bangladesh got wickets at regular intervals. Spinner Mehedi Hasan Miraz was exceptional with the bowl as his four-fer destroyed the backbone of Sri Lanka’s batting. All in all, it was a very professional performance by Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka started the chase of 258 very brightly as opener Gunathilaka was hitting Taskin Ahmed’s deliveries all around the ground. However, Mehedi picked up the opener in the fifth over before Mustafizur Rahman scalped Pathum Nissaka in the eighth over.
Sri Lanka then lost wickets at regular intervals. Ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan got back in amongst the wickets since his return as he dismissed the dangerous Kusal Mendis before Mehedi sent back Kusal Perera and Dhananjaya de Silva in consecutive overs. After few overs, Mehedi removed Ashen Bandara as Sri Lanka were reeling in chase of 258. The Lankans were at 102/6 after 27.3 overs.
Then came leg spinner Wanindu Hasaranga and immediately he started to play some attacking shots to set his tone. He was playing aggressively and was hitting the Bangladeshi bowlers all around the ground. He played a blistering knock of 60-ball 74 and gave Bangladesh a scare. However, Mohammad Saifuddin came in and removed Hasaranga to took the wind out of Sri Lanka’s sail. For Bangladesh, Mustafizur grabbed three wickets and Saifuddin bagged a brace.
Meanwhile, despite losing early wickets Tigers’ poster 257/6 in the first innings. Thanks to a solid 109-run partnership between skipper Mahmudullah Riyad and batsman Mushfiqur Rahim.
Mushfiqur hit 87-ball 84, the highest scorer for the host. His innings was comprised with 4 boundaries and 1 maximum. Tamim Iqbal hit 52 while Mahmudullah scored 54 and propelled Bangladesh to a challenging total.