In a one-sided contest, Sri Lanka comfortably defeated Bangladesh by 7 wickets, chasing down a modest target of 155 with ease. After winning the toss, Lankan captain opted to field first, and his decision paid off as Bangladesh struggled to put together a strong total.
Despite a strong start from Parvez Emon, who managed a quick 38 from 22 balls, the Bangladeshi batting order crumbled. Opening batsman Tanzid Tamim was dismissed cheaply, and the middle order failed to capitalize on early momentum. Tanzid Tamim and captain Liton Dascouldn’t make much of an impact either, leaving the team on the backfoot.
A brief flurry of runs from Shamim Hossain (14 from 5 balls) helped push the total to a modest 154/5, a score that many felt was below par, especially given the conditions. Bangladesh was expected to set a target closer to 180, but their inability to build partnerships in the middle overs proved costly.
In reply, Sri Lanka’s top order was clinical. Kusal Mendis (73 off 51 balls), along with opening partner Pathum Nissanka (42 off 16 balls), tore through Bangladesh’s bowling attack. Mendis’s aggressive strokeplay, which included 5 fours and 3 sixes, ensured that Sri Lanka reached the target comfortably with 7 wickets in hand.
Bangladesh will need to reassess their batting strategy after this performance, as they fell short of what was a winnable total on a flat pitch. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be pleased with their dominant chase and all-round performance.
