BAN vs SL Scorecard, 1st ODI Highlights: Najmul Hossain Shanto leads from the front as Bangladesh dominate series-opener

Bangladesh National Cricket Team and Sri Lanka National Cricket Team kick-started the ODI series after an enthralling T20I series. The first match of the three-match series between the teams took place at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Wednesday (13th January). 

Bangladesh kickstarted the series on a high as they made sure that after losing the T20I series, they began ODIs with a win. They were dominant with the bat and ball in the match and sealed the first game by a margin of 6 wickets to go 1-0 up in the series. 

BAN vs SL Scorecard, 1st ODI – Sri Lanka innings: Kusal Mendis, and Janith Liyanage hit valiant half-centuries to take Sri Lanka to 255 runs 

Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first. Pathum Nissanka (36) and Avishka Fernando (33) took the team off to a decent start as they added 71 runs for the opening wicket. But Tanzim Hasan Sakib brought Bangladesh back into the game as he removed both the openers along with Sadeera Samarawickrama (3). 

Skipper Kusal Mendis then held the fort for his team whereas wickets kept tumbling around him. Charith Asalanka (18) chipped in but couldn’t convert the start that he got. But Janith Liyanage stood tall for the team along with captain Mendis. 

Mendis (59) and Liyanage (67) hit vital half-centuries for the team and added 69 runs together. After their wicket, Wanindu Hasaranga (13) made a handy contribution as Sri Lanka ended with a total of 255 runs on the board. They couldn’t bat the entire quota of 50 overs as their innings ended in 48.5 overs. 

For Bangladesh, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib picked three wickets. Whereas Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with one wicket as Bangladesh wrapped up Sri Lanka’s innings below 260 runs on the board.

BAN vs SL Scorecard, 1st ODI – Bangladesh innings: Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto leads from the front as Bangladesh win the game by 6 wickets 

In the chase, Bangladesh were off to the worst possible start with the bat. Litton Das perished on the first ball of the innings as Dilshan Madushanka castled his stumps. If this was not enough, the fast bowler then removed Soumya Sarkar. Towhid Hridoy (3) perished early as well as Bangladesh was left tottering at 23/3. 

Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto then held the fort for his team and eased into the innings. Mahmudullah (37) supported him well as the duo added 69 runs together. After the latter got out, veteran Mushfiqur Rahim joined hands with the captain. 

While Najmul Hossain Shanto (122*) slammed a magnificent century, Mushfiqur Rahim (73*) hit a blistering half-century as they added unbeaten 165 runs together. Their sensational partnership helped Bangladesh chase the target inside 45 overs and with 6 wickets in hand. 

For Sri Lanka, apart from Dilshan Madushanka and Promod Madushanka, Lahiru Kumara picked one wicket. Bangladesh dominated their bowling attack and paved their way to an easy victory. 

BAN vs SL 1st ODI – Brief Scores 

Sri Lanka: 255-10 (Janith Liyanage 67; Tanzim Hasan Sakib 3/44)

Bangladesh: 257-4 (Najmul Hossain Shanto 122*; Dilshan Madushanka 2/44) 

BAN vs SL 1st ODI – Full Scorecard