Janith Liyanage’s battling 101 went in vain as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 235, a total Bangladesh’s bowlers backed up by keeping things tight to register a 33-run win and claim the three-match ODI series 2-1 in Dhaka.
The promising Liyanage arrived at the crease with Sri Lanka struggling at 95 for 4 in the 23rd over. He anchored the innings superbly, reaching his maiden ODI century off 102 balls with some clean hitting through the off-side.
The first ODI between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Chattogram was shaping up to be a thrilling contest until the dew factor intervened, playing a pivotal role in the home team’s remarkable comeback victory. Sri Lanka, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, raced to 71 within the first 10 overs, courtesy of a blistering start from their openers. However, a middle-order collapse saw them settle for a modest total of 255, a score that seemed inadequate given their promising start.
In a thrilling ODI encounter, Bangladesh’s Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim defied the odds, overcoming a precarious situation to guide their team to a remarkable victory over Sri Lanka. Despite reducing the hosts to 92 for 4 in pursuit of 256, Sri Lanka’s bowling attack was rendered ineffective by the dew factor, allowing the duo to stitch together a match-winning 165-run partnership.
Shanto’s unbeaten 122 and Mushfiqur’s 73 not out proved instrumental in Bangladesh’s chase, as they tackled the challenges posed by the dew-laden outfield with remarkable composure and skill.
