The first T20 match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh saw a brilliant battle of batting and fielding. So let’s know the detailsโฆ
Bangladesh, batting first, scored 154 runs in the allotted 20 overs, losing by 5 wickets. Parvez Hossain Emon, in the middle-order, batted briskly at the beginning and made 38 runs in 22 balls (5 fours, 1 six) โ and showed his ability to handle the pressure of the bowling. But Sri Lanka spinner M Theekshana defeated him and saved the team from facing its first big deficit.
Then Tanzid Hasan (16 off 16 balls) caused a stir, but Litton Das was quickly OUT. Mohammad Naim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz added 32 (29 balls, 1 four, 1 six) and 29 (23 balls, 4 fours) respectively to take charge of the Bangladesh innings. Only 9 runs came in the extras.
The bowling combination of Thilu Thushara and Shanaka was a standout, but Sri Lanka failed to achieve the target quickly. Sri Lanka had set a target of 155 runs in the suffocating conditions.
Sri Lanka responded well in the current match, losing 3 wickets in the allotted time. The strong batting of openers Pathum Nissanka (42 runs off 16 balls, 5 fours + 3 sixes, SR 262.50) and Kusal Mendis (73 runs off 51 balls, SR 143.14) ensured the victory.
Nissanka broke Bangladesh’s run-losing trend in the first 4 overs. Then Mendis’ innings, like a movie, earned him the Man of the Match. Rishad Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz together picked up a difficult batting line. Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets, restricting the opponent to a target of just 154 runs.
Can Read: Shanto & Mushfiqur Partnership Rocks Galle โ Full Highlights & Stats
Match HighlightsโAnalysis:
Opening Blitz โ Taskin Ahmed and Saifuddin were able to play at the beginning, but Sri Lanka’s two openers, Pathum and Mendis, created a storm in just a few overs.
Middle Order Shutdown โ Despite Bangladesh’s talented innings (Parvez, Naim, Mehidy), Sri Lanka’s fielding and batting ended the target one by one.
Bowling Showdown โ Just as Mendis and Nissanka’s batting scored, Miraz and Saifuddin tried to prevent it by understanding the technical language of spin.
Man of the Match โ Kusal Mendis has risked his life in every match; accurate batting and steady pacing have made him a worthy Man of the Match.
Toss Decision โ Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl. Because the early momentum on this Pallekele pitch was poured on the fielding team.
Series Outlook โ Sri Lanka came into the second match in Dambulla with new confidence. If Bangladesh can also start the middle-order well, the match will become more competitive.