Sri Lanka cruise to seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in first T20I
The hosts recorded their highest-ever total in the Powerplay, racing to 83-1.
Sri Lanka delivered a dominant display to thump Bangladesh by seven wickets in the first T20I of the three-match series at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on Thursday, riding on a record-breaking Powerplay effort from openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis.
The hosts recorded their highest-ever total in the Powerplay, racing to 83-1, with Nissanka leading the charge. The right-hander smashed three sixes and five fours in a blistering 16-ball 42 before being dismissed, setting the tone for a straightforward chase. Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with a composed 73 off 53 deliveries, striking five boundaries and three sixes. He kept the scoreboard ticking before miscuing a shot to short extra cover in the 18th over.
Kusal Perera, who came in after Nissanka's dismissal, struggled to find fluency, scoring 24 off 25 balls before falling to leg-spinner Rishad Hossain in the 13th over. Captain Charith Asalanka provided the finishing touch, sealing the win with a six off Tanzim Sakib. His unbeaten eight off five balls took Sri Lanka to the target with six balls remaining.
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With this win, Sri Lanka take a 1–0 lead in the three-match T20I series.
