Sri Lanka goes through the host through Bangladesh to win by 183 runs

Sri Lanka cricket team suffered a batting collapse in the SL vs BAN 1st T20I, leading to the Tigers winning by 83 runs. Contributions came in from all quarters of the Litton Das-led unit as the visitors ensured they started off the series win a win. Heading into this series, Bangladesh probably were low on confidence after losing the ODIs and Tests to Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh bowlers derail Sri Lanka in 1st T20I

Chasing a target of 178 runs, Sri Lanka got off to the worst possible start. Kusal Mendis (8) was the first to depart, courtesy of a run-out from Shamim Hossain. And then, the wickets kept falling. Kusal Perera (0) and Avishka Fernando (2) were removed by Shoriful Islam in the next couple of overs, putting Sri Lanka in a perilous position. Asalanka (5) soon followed the rest of the batters back to the pavilion.

Nissanka and Shanaka then attempted to rebuild the run-chase and managed to stitch together a 41-run partnership. However, a fighting knock from Nissanka (32) came to an end as he was sent packing by Rishad Hossain.

And once again, wickets continued to tumble as Sri Lanka crumbled. Hossain hammered the final nail in the coffin by getting Fernando stumped, finishing with figures of 3/18.

Litton Das returns to form

Batting first, Bangladesh lost both their openers cheaply within the first two overs. It was then captain Litton Das (76) and Towid Hridoy (31) who helped Bangladesh steady their innings. Das slammed his first T20I fifty in a year, emerging as the side’s top-scorer in the game.

Lower-order batter Shamim Hossain played a 46-run cameo to guide Bangladesh to a 177/7 at the end of 20 overs. B Fernando was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, having taken 3 wickets.