Sri Lanka pulled off a dramatic 77-run victory over Bangladesh in the first ODI at Colombo, thanks to a sudden and severe batting collapse from the visitors while chasing a modest target of 245. The home side now leads the three-match series 1-0, with the second game scheduled for July 5.
Charith Asalanka’s Century Anchors Sri Lanka to 244
Batting first, Sri Lanka posted 244 in 49.2 overs, with captain Charith Asalanka leading from the front. He played a patient and well-paced knock of 106 off 123 balls, anchoring the innings while wickets kept falling at the other end. Despite a few small partnerships, the Lankans struggled to accelerate towards the end of their innings, largely due to excellent bowling from Taskin Ahmed, who finished with figures of 4 for 47 in his full quota of 10 overs.
Bangladesh appeared to be cruising in the chase. At 100 for 2 in just 16.3 overs, the visitors were in control and looked poised for a comfortable win.
Bangladesh Collapse From 100/2 to 105/8
But everything changed after Najmul Hossain Shanto was run out for 23. His dismissal triggered panic in the batting lineup. In the very next over, leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga struck twice, removing Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das in quick succession.
Left-arm spinner Kamindu Mendis added to the chaos by bowling Towhid Hridoy in the 19th over, and Bangladesh were suddenly reeling at 105 for 8. From being comfortably placed, they lost six wickets for just five runs in a shocking collapse.
Jaker Ali fought back with a valiant 51 off 64 balls, but the damage had already been done. With no support from the other end, he couldn’t pull off a rescue. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 167, falling short by 77 runs.
After the match, Taskin Ahmed expressed disappointment at the collapse.
“I was expecting we would win with five to seven overs in hand,” Taskin said. “Those two wickets in one over was the turning point. We batted badly in the middle phase. From 100 for 2 to 105 for 8 – that was very costly.”
He praised Jaker Ali’s efforts but admitted that the team failed to handle pressure and didn’t stick to their natural game.
“When Jaker got set, he was batting very well. If we had two or three batters left with him, we could’ve won. The wicket wasn’t that bad. It was our failure—we panicked and collapsed under pressure.”
Bangladesh will now look to regroup ahead of the second ODI, which takes place on July 5, again in Colombo.
