A disastrous batting collapse saw Bangladesh suffer a heavy defeat against Sri Lanka in the first ODI of the three-match series.
After a promising start, Bangladesh crumbled dramatically, losing 7 wickets for just 5 runs, and eventually lost by 77 runs. With the win, Sri Lanka took a 1–0 lead in the series.
At Colombo’s Premadasa Stadium, Sri Lanka posted 244 runs on the back of a century from skipper Charith Asalanka. In reply, Bangladesh were bowled out for just 167.
At one stage, Bangladesh were cruising at 100 for 1, but within minutes, the innings unraveled, with the team collapsing to 105 for 8—losing 7 wickets for just 5 runs.
Earlier, after electing to bat first, Sri Lanka lost three wickets within the first seven overs. Tanzim Hasan removed Pathum Nissanka for a duck, while Taskin Ahmed dismissed Nishan Madushka and Kamindu Mendis in quick succession.
Kusal Mendis and Asalanka then rebuilt with a 60-run fourth-wicket stand. Debutant Tanvir Islam claimed his maiden wicket by removing Kusal for 45.
Asalanka went on to form crucial partnerships—adding 64 with Janith Liyanage (29), then later with Milan Rathnayake (22) and Wanindu Hasaranga (22)—to guide Sri Lanka past 240.
Asalanka was eventually dismissed for a brilliant 106 off 123 balls—his fifth ODI century.
Taskin, returning from injury, finished with 4 wickets, while Tanzim picked up 3.
In the chase, debutant Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan gave Bangladesh a 29-run start before Emon fell. A solid 71-run stand followed between Tanzid and Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Shanto’s run-out on 23 triggered a stunning collapse. Hasaranga and Kamindu tore through the middle order. Tanzid, who top-scored with 62 off 61 balls, fell to a spectacular catch by Janith Liyanage.
In the space of just 27 deliveries, Bangladesh lost 7 wickets for 5 runs, collapsing from 100 for 1 to 105 for 8.
Wicketkeeper-batter Zakir Ali fought back with some late fireworks, hitting four fours and four sixes in a 51-run knock, but the damage was already done.
The second ODI will be played on Saturday at the same venue.
Match Summary
Sri Lanka: 244 in 49.2 overs
(Nissanka 0, Mendis 45, Asalanka 106, Liyanage 29, Rathnayake 22, Hasaranga 22; Taskin 4/47, Tanzim 3/45, Tanvir 1/44)
Bangladesh: 167 in 35.5 overs
(Tanzid 62, Shanto 23, Zakir 51; Hasaranga 4/10, Kamindu 3/19)
Result: Sri Lanka won by 77 runs
Series: Sri Lanka lead 1–0
Player of the Match: Charith Asalanka
