Sri Lanka kicked off their three-match ODI series against Bangladesh in style with a commanding 77-run victory in the first match, held at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. It was a day to remember for the hosts as Charith Asalanka’s sensational century and Wanindu Hasaranga’s spellbinding bowling dismantled the visitors with clinical precision.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka found themselves in early trouble with regular wickets falling, but Asalanka stood tall amid the chaos. Anchoring the innings with composure and class, the left-handed batter smashed a gritty 106 off 123 deliveries, propelling the home side to a respectable 244 in 49.2 overs.
Kusal Mendis provided early momentum with a brisk 45 off 43 balls, while Janith Liyanage chipped in with 29 off 40. But it was Asalanka who held the innings together, crafting his knock with intelligent strike rotation and timely boundaries. The Bangladeshi bowlers, particularly Taskin Ahmed (4/47 in 10 overs) and Tanzim Hasan Sakib (3/46 in 9.2), made regular breakthroughs, but lacked support from the field to restrict Sri Lanka below the 240-mark.
In reply, Bangladesh got off to a decent start, thanks to an aggressive knock from opener Tanzid Hasan, who struck 62 off 61 balls, laced with fluent drives and powerful pulls. However, the chase derailed quickly once Wanindu Hasaranga was introduced into the attack. The leg-spinner wreaked havoc with a stunning 4/10 in just 7.5 overs, breaking the back of Bangladesh’s middle order.
Kamindu Mendis also played a key role with the ball, returning figures of 3/19 in 5 overs, building pressure alongside Hasaranga. Despite a fighting 51 from Jaker Ali, Bangladesh’s innings folded for just 167 in 35.5 overs, well short of the target.
The match turned decisively in Sri Lanka’s favour in the middle overs of Bangladesh’s chase, with Hasaranga spinning a web around the batters who had no answers to his variation and guile. Maheesh Theekshana was economical as always, conceding just 32 in his nine overs and picking up a wicket.
Charith Asalanka was deservedly named Player of the Match for his crucial century that laid the foundation for the victory.
With this win, Sri Lanka now leads the three-match ODI series 1-0, putting the pressure firmly on Bangladesh heading into the second ODI.
Match Summary:
Sri Lanka: 244 all out in 49.2 overs (Asalanka 106, Mendis 45; Taskin 4/47, Tanzim 3/46)
Bangladesh: 167 all out in 35.5 overs (Tanzid 62, Jaker 51; Hasaranga 4/10, Kamindu 3/19)
Result: Sri Lanka won by 77 runs
Series: Sri Lanka leads 1-0
Player of the Match: Charith Asalanka (106 off 123, 0/29 in 5 overs)
