By Sri Lanka edges out Bangladesh by three runs in a thrilling contest in the first T20I in Sylhet, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Charith Asalanka earns Player of the Match for his 44* off 21, helping Sri Lanka to a strong total and surviving Jaker Ali’s (68 off 34) onslaught to defend their score in dewy conditions.
Sri Lanka Overcomes Middling Start to Post 206/3
Sent in to bat, Sri Lanka loses Avishka Fernando and Kamindu Mendis early, scoring 45/2 in the PowerPlay. Kusal Mendis (59 off 36) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (61 off 48) stabilize with a 96-run partnership, setting the stage for Asalanka’s explosive innings, which includes 6 sixes.
Bangladesh Leaks Runs Towards the End
The last four overs yield 64 runs, crucial in the context of the match. Mustafizur Rahman struggles against the Sri Lankan batsmen on a flat track with short boundaries. The final over, bowled by Mustafizur, goes for 24 runs.
Bangladesh’s Run-Chase Starts Poorly
Angelo Mathews dismisses Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy in the PowerPlay as Bangladesh loses three early wickets. Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mahmudullah (54 off 31) stabilize the innings before Shanto falls to a bouncer from Matheesha Pathirana.
Mahmudullah-Jaker Stand Threatens Sri Lanka
Jaker Ali plays a supporting role while Mahmudullah is at the crease, but takes charge after Mahmudullah’s dismissal, hitting a series of sixes against Theekshana and Shanaka. Despite bringing the equation down to 12 off the final over, Shanaka’s tight bowling secures the win for Sri Lanka.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 206/3 (Samarawickrama 61, Asalanka 44; Rishad 1-32) beat Bangladesh 203/8 (Jaker Ali 68, Mahmudullah 54; Mathews 2-17) by 3 runs.
