Sri Lanka steamroll Bangladesh to win first T20

TDT | Pallekele

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Sri Lanka cruised to a seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first T20I, chasing down 155 with an over to spare. Charith Asalanka sealed victory with a six, delighting a festive crowd.

Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis exploded out of the blocks, putting on 78 runs in just 28 balls — Sri Lanka’s highest powerplay score in T20Is. Nissanka smashed 42 off 16 balls, while Mendis anchored the chase with a classy 73 from 51 deliveries.

Kusal Perera chipped in with a brisk cameo as Sri Lanka dominated throughout.

Earlier, Bangladesh had a bright start with openers Parvez Hossain and Tanzid Hasan adding 46 in 30 balls. However, the middle order crumbled under pressure. Dasun Shanaka and Jeffrey Vandersay impressed with tight spells, restricting Bangladesh to 155 — a total that never truly threatened.

The second T20I will be played in Dambulla on Sunday