Crushing Collapse Ends Bangladesh’s Hope in One-Day Series Opener

Bangladesh’s promising start in the opening match of their three-match one-day international series against Sri Lanka unraveled spectacularly, resulting in a 77-run defeat at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday. Sri Lanka takes a 1-0 lead in the series.

Chasing a target of 245, Bangladesh appeared to be in control early on, reaching 100 for one within 17 overs. A smooth 71-run partnership between Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto, following the early dismissal of debutant Parvez Hossain for 13, set a positive tone. Tanzid played with both maturity and aggression, scoring 62 off 61 balls with nine boundaries and a six, while Shanto contributed a steady 23. The pair looked poised for a comfortable victory as they navigated early swing and seam movement.

However, the match turned on a pivotal moment when Shanto was run out while attempting a risky second run. That sparked a disastrous collapse as Bangladesh lost six wickets for just four runs, equaling the ODI record for the fewest runs (4) lost in losing six wickets between the third and eighth dismissals, set by the USA in 2020.

From a strong position of 100 for one, Bangladesh plummeted to 105 for eight within just 28 balls. Wanindu Hasaranga led the charge, trapping Litton Das lbw for a duck with a clever googly, then dismissing Tanzid Hasan with a miscued shot caught at mid-off. Kamindu Mendis added to the carnage by dismissing Towhid Hridoy and trapping Taskin Ahmed lbw in quick succession. Debutant spinner Tanvir Islam managed only five before edging to the keeper off Maheesh Theekshana, as the middle and lower order crumbled under mounting pressure.

Only Jaker Ali showed resilience, fighting for his 51 off 64 balls, including four sixes and four boundaries. His partnership with Tanvir added 20 runs for the ninth wicket, giving Bangladesh a glimmer of resistance. But his dismissal marked the end of Bangladesh’s innings, which finished at 167 in 35.5 overs.

Sri Lanka’s captain Charith Asalanka anchored the innings with a steady 106 off 123 balls, including six fours and four sixes. His composed effort helped Sri Lanka post 244 in 49.2 overs after opting to bat first. The hosts fell short of a stronger finish when Asalanka was dismissed in the final over while attempting a big hit.

In the end, the Sri Lankan bowlers sealed the victory with a clinical collapse from Bangladesh, whose batting effort will be remembered for its dramatic downfall.