Bangladesh endured a humiliating 77-run defeat to Sri Lanka in the first One-Day International of the series on Wednesday (July 2). Chasing a target of 245, the Tigers were bundled out for just 167 runs in 35.5 overs after a dramatic batting collapse.
Bangladesh's chase started shakily, losing opener Emon for 13 runs at a team total of 29. However, Tanzid Hasan then took charge, notching a fifty off 51 balls. But as soon as Tanzid departed, Bangladesh's batting lineup crumbled like a house of cards.
Despite Parvez Emon's early exit, Tanzid Tamim, the other opener, reached his half-century, building a crucial 71-run partnership with Shanto that brought the team within sight of 100 runs with eight wickets in hand, needing just 145 runs from 33 overs.
However, after Shanto was run out for 23 off 26 balls, the entire team seemed to lose its rhythm. A shocking sequence followed, with six batters returning to the pavilion for a mere 5 runs! Led by the spin wizardry of Wanindu Hasaranga and Kamindu Mendis, Liton Das (0), Tanzid Tamim (62), Towhid Hridoy (1), Miraz (0), Tanzim (0), and Taskin (0) all fell in quick succession. What once seemed an easily winnable match quickly turned into a humiliating defeat.
In the aftermath of the batting collapse, Zaker Ali Anik fought a lone battle at the end. Partnering with Tanvir Islam and Mustafizur Rahman for the final wickets, he significantly reduced the margin of defeat. Zaker scored a defiant 51 runs off 64 balls, including 4 fours and 4 sixes, before being trapped LBW by Wanindu Hasaranga in the 36th over. This marked his third career fifty, a testament to his fighting spirit in a crumbling innings.
For Sri Lanka, Hasaranga was the most successful bowler, picking up 4 wickets for just 10 runs. Kamindu Mendis also contributed significantly with 3 wickets for 19 runs. The two spinners' combined efforts dismantled Bangladesh's batting order.
Earlier, Sri Lanka found themselves in early trouble due to the fiery bowling of Bangladeshi pacers Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
The hosts struggled with quick wickets, but the experienced Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka offered some resistance. Asalanka, in particular, played a magnificent century to keep his team in the game.
After winning the toss and opting to bat in Colombo, Sri Lanka was all out for 244 in 49.2 overs. Charith Asalanka was the lone warrior for his team, scoring a brilliant 106 runs.
However, no other batter could provide him with sustained support, preventing Asalanka from guiding his team to a larger total despite his century. Under the leadership of Taskin and Tanzim, Bangladesh's disciplined bowling ensured Sri Lanka was bowled out before reaching 250.
Taskin picked up 4 wickets for 47 runs for the Tigers, while Tanzim Sakib claimed 3 wickets for 46 runs. Asalanka's 106-run innings was the highlight for the Lankans.
Asalanka's magnificent century was a standout performance. He forged a 39-run partnership with Milan Rathnayake for the sixth wicket before Rathnayake was bowled by Tanzim for 22. Taskin then removed Hasaranga (22) and Theekshana (1).
Despite the fall of wickets, Asalanka continued his fight, smashing a dazzling 106 off 123 balls, including 6 fours and 4 sixes. He was eventually bowled by Tanzim in the final over of the innings, concluding Sri Lanka's innings at 244.
