Colombo [Sri Lanka], July 3: Sri Lanka spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Kamindu Mendis triggered a stunning collapse as the hosts defeated Bangladesh by 77 runs in the first ODI of the three-match series at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Bangladesh appeared on course for an easy chase at 100/1 in the 17th over with Tanzid Hasan (67) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (23) looking comfortable. However, the visitors then lost seven wickets for just five runs in a sensational meltdown, crashing from 100/1 to 105/8 by the 21st over, and were eventually bowled out for 167 in pursuit of Sri Lanka’s 244.
This sequence set a new record for the fewest runs added between the fall of the second and eighth wickets in men’s ODI history. It was also the second-worst seven-wicket collapse in men’s 50-over cricket, behind Zimbabwe’s infamous 7/3 collapse against Sri Lanka in 2008.
Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed, who was the final wicket of the collapse, expressed shock at his team’s sudden downfall. “It reminds me that in cricket, there is uncertainty. I wasn’t expecting that. Hopefully, we will come back stronger in the next game,” Taskin said, as quoted by ICC.
Earlier, Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka led from the front with a composed 106 off 123 balls, including six fours and four sixes, helping his team post 244. Asalanka was adjudged Player of the Match for his crucial innings.
Reflecting on the win, Asalanka said, “I wanted to play according to the situation. We knew we were a few runs short, but our fielding was amazing today. We believe catches win matches, and it was there to be seen.”
With the victory, Sri Lanka take a 1-0 lead in the series. The second ODI will also be played in Colombo on Saturday.
Brief Score:
Sri Lanka 244 all out in 49.2 overs (Charith Asalanka 106, Kusal Mendis 45; Taskin Ahmed 4/47)
Bangladesh 167 all out in 35.5 overs (Tanzid Hasan 67, Jaker Ali 51; Wanindu Hasaranga 4/10)