1st ODI: Captain Shanto’s hundred helps Bangladesh hammer Sri Lanka by 6 wickets

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto hit a superb hundred to help Bangladesh secure a comprehensive six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam bowled exceptionally well for Bangladesh but Kusal Mendis and Janith Liyanage helped Sri Lanka post a competitive total of 255. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto’s record-breaking unbeaten 122 and Mushfiqur Rahim’s steady 73 not out guided Bangladesh to chase down the target with 32 balls to spare and six wickets in hand.

Sri Lanka openers, Avishka Fernando and Pathum Nissanka, provided a blazing start, accumulating 71 runs in just 9.1 overs after the tourists won the toss and elected to bat first. The Sri Lankan openers dominated the Bangladeshi bowlers with ease until Tanzim Hasan Sakib intervened, dismissing both Nissanka (36 off 28) and Fernando (33 off 33). Sakib continued his spell by claiming the wicket of Sadeera Samarawickrama as well.

Charith Asalanka managed to score 18 off 37 balls before falling to Mehedi Hasan Miraz. Captain Kusal Mendis played a crucial anchor role, contributing a fine 59 off 75 deliveries.Bangladeshi bowlers tightened their grip on the Sri Lankan innings, but Janith Liyanage emerged as a standout performer, crafting a valuable 67 off just 69 balls. Liyanage’s fighting knock propelled Sri Lanka to a total of 255 runs.