Patham Nisanka, Kusal Mendis Blitz Power Sri Lanka lead 1-0

A opening blitz from Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis ensured Sri Lanka picked up a 1-0 lead in their T20I series against Bangladesh. Chasing a modest 155 to win, Sri Lanka blasted 83 in the powerplay itself to make it a rather straightforward chase. Mendis top scored with a fine 73 to see the chase over the line with a ball to spare.

Kusal Mendis continued red-hot form, Nissanka makes most of the powerplay.

Chasing 155, Sri Lanka needed a good start on a sluggish wicket. Pathum Nissanka and Mendis glazed through the opening overs, scoring in excess of 14 an over. The duo put on 78 in just 28 deliveries, with Nissanka smashing a stunning 42 off just 16 balls. Mendis was equally aggressive at the start, but then shifted gears to take the game deep.

With the surface slowing down as the ball got older, Sri Lanka did it take it very deep. Kusal Perera scored 24 at less than a run a ball to take the game to the wirse. Mendis, who was striking at 200+, was eventually dismissed for 73 at a strike rate of less than 150. However, such was their opening carnage, that the chase always looked comfortable. In the end, it was captain Charith Asalanka who finished the job with an over to spare.

Earlier, Jeffrey Vandersay made the most of his opportunity with a fine spell of bowling. Often overlooked with Wanindu Hasaranga in the side, the leggie finished with figures of 1/25 in his four overs. Him and Dasun Shanaka put the brakes on Bangladesh scoring. The visitors had Parvez Hossain Emon top scoring with 38. Perhaps the most damning aspect was 4 of their 5 top order batters struck at less than 110. 3 couldn’t even score at a run a ball.

They will now hope to pull back and level the series when they face off in Dambulla on July 13. The final T20I of the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh series will be in Colombo on Wednesday, July 16.