It was a high-scoring match between two Asian teams. Kushal Mendis shines in the visitors’ tough victory in the first T20 of Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh were set to clash in the opening T20 of a three-match series. Alongside the T20Is, both sides are scheduled to compete in three ODIs and two test matches during Sri Lanka’s tour of Bangladesh.
After winning the toss, Bangladesh elected to field first, inviting Sri Lanka to bat. Despite a shaky start, Asalanka’s brigade managed to set a formidable target for the hosts. Sri Lanka posted a total of 206 runs, propelled by half-centuries from Kusal Mendis and Samarwickrama.
Sri Lanka Batting
Sri Lanka lost its first wicket in the very first over when Shoriful Islam sent Avishka Fernando back to the pavilion. Fernando played a poor inning of 4 runs on just two balls. However, wicket-keeper batsman Kusal Mendis did not allow Bangladesh to slow down the run rate even after getting an early wicket.
Sri Lanka lost its second wicket in the fifth over on a total team score of Kamindu Mendis. Samarwickrama, the next batsman, took charge after Mendis and built a strong partnership of 96 runs with Kusal. Kusal played 59 runs, knocked on just 36 balls, and hit three sixes and six fours.
Samarawickrama showcased his prowess with a rapid innings of 61 runs off 48 balls, including one six and eight fours. Despite the dismissal of Kusal Mendis, Captain Asalanka ensured that the momentum was not lost. He smashed six towering sixes in his 44-run knockoff just 21 balls.
Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, and Rishad Hossain each got one wicket for Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Batting
Litton Das fell victim in the opening over without adding any runs to the scoreboard. The spotlight then shifted to Soumya Sarkar, who attempted to exhibit some prowess. Unfortunately, he failed to impress, managing only 12 runs from 11 balls with two fours, leaving the fans disappointed.
Similarly, Najmul Hossain Shanto also could not convert a good start into a good inning. He scored only 20 runs on 22 balls with three fours. Towhid Hridoy also played a poor performance of 8 runs.
Mahmudullah and Jaker Ali showcased remarkable batting performances during the Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh. Mahmudullah contributed with a solid 54-run innings, while Jaker Ali impressed with a stunning 68 runs off just 34 balls. Ali’s aggressive knock included six towering sixes and four boundaries. Despite their efforts, Bangladesh fell short of securing victory.
Angelo Mathews, Binura Fernando, and Dasun Shanaka each got two wickets. Mahesh and Matheesha get 1-1.
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