After suffering defeats in both the Test and ODI series against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh had a chance to redeem themselves in the T20I format. But the Tigers failed to make a strong start, losing the opening T20I by 7 wickets.
Batting first after losing the toss in Pallekele, Bangladesh posted 154 for 5 in their 20 overs. Parvez Hossain Emon was the top scorer with 38 runs off 22 balls. In reply, Sri Lanka comfortably chased down the target, reaching 157 for 3 in 19 overs.
Sri Lanka got off to a blazing start. Pathum Nissanka smashed 42 off just 16 balls before being dismissed. Kusal Mendis then anchored the innings with a composed 73 off 51 balls. Although Bangladesh tightened up their bowling in the middle overs, it was too little, too late. Avishka Fernando guided the team home with a calm finish.
Earlier, Bangladesh began brightly with openers Emon and Tanjid Hasan Tamim. Emon looked in fine form, while Tamim played cautiously. The pair added 36 runs before Tamim departed for 16. Liton Das failed again, scoring just 6 off 11 balls.
Despite a promising start, Bangladesh’s momentum faded. Emon was dismissed for 38 at the end of the powerplay, and the middle order featuring Mohammad Naim and Towhid Hridoy couldn’t accelerate. Their slow scoring rate stalled the innings during crucial overs.
In the final phase, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shamim Hossain provided some spark. Miraz scored a handy 29 off 23 balls, while Shamim chipped in with an unbeaten 14 from just 5 deliveries. Naim remained not out on 32 off 29 balls, but the total of 154 proved insufficient.
Bangladesh now trails in the T20 series, putting additional pressure on the team to bounce back in the remaining matches.
Also Read: Brazil’s João Pedro Sinks Former Club Fluminense as Chelsea Reach Final
FAQ
1: Who was the top scorer for Bangladesh in the first T20I against Sri Lanka?
Answer: Parvez Hossain Emon was the top scorer for Bangladesh with 38 runs off 22 balls.
2: How did Sri Lanka win the match?
Answer: Sri Lanka successfully chased down BD Tiger’s target of 155 runs with 3 wickets down in 19 overs. Kusal Mendis played a key role with 73 runs off 51 balls.
3: What went wrong for Bangladesh in this match?
Answer: Despite a good start, BD Tigers struggled in the middle overs with slow scoring from the middle order. Their total of 154 was below par, and Sri Lanka’s aggressive batting early on took the game away.