Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by 77 runs in the opening match of the three-match ODI series held at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday (July 2).
Skipper Charith Asalanka led from the front with a brilliant century, scoring 106 off 123 balls to anchor Sri Lanka’s innings to 244 all out in 49.2 overs. In response, Bangladesh were bundled out for 167 in 35.5 overs, as Sri Lanka’s spinners dominated the visitors.
Wanindu Hasaranga was the standout performer with the ball, delivering a match-winning spell of 4 wickets for just 10 runs in 7.5 overs. Kamindu Mendis also played a key role, claiming 3 for 19 in five overs.
For Bangladesh, Tanzid Hasan scored 62 while Jaker Ali added 51, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to build on those starts, collapsing under consistent pressure from the Sri Lankan attack.
With this win, Sri Lanka take a 1–0 lead in the series.
