Mushfiqur Rahim and Najmul Hossain Shanto

The cricketing universe was captivated by a breathtaking showcase of skill and resolve when Bangladesh and Sri Lanka collided in the inaugural ODI of the three-match series. The contest held at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium treated fans to an enthralling battle, culminating in Bangladesh’s triumph. The victory was orchestrated by none other than the home side’s skipper, Najmul Hossain Shanto, whose mesmerizing century shifted the momentum decisively in favour of his team.

Sri Lanka’s subpar batting performance

Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Sri Lanka were bundled out for a total of 255 runs in 48.5 overs. Kusal Mendis (59) and Janith Liyanage (67) spearheaded Sri Lanka’s batting effort, putting up crucial runs on the board. However, Bangladesh’s bowlers displayed remarkable discipline and skill to keep the Sri Lankan batters in check.

Najmul Hossain Shanto’s masterclass takes centre stage

In pursuit of the target, Bangladesh showcased resilience and determination, led by their skipper, Shanto. His breathtaking century of 122 runs off 129 balls turned the tide in Bangladesh’s favour, leaving the Sri Lankan bowlers struggling for answers. Shanto’s sublime innings was a testament to his class and composure under pressure.

Bangladesh clinches victory with conviction

With contributions from Mahmudullah (37) and Mushfiqur Rahim (73), Bangladesh chased down the target with ease, reaching 257 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in just 44.4 overs. Despite Sri Lanka’s efforts to stage a comeback, Bangladesh remained unfazed, sealing the win with 32 balls to spare and asserting their dominance in the match.

Shanto’s heroics earn him Player of the Match

Shanto’s stellar performance rightfully earned him the “Player of the Match” accolade, underscoring his importance to the Bangladesh team as both a leader and a match-winner.

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Looking ahead: Bangladesh takes a lead in the ODI Series

With this victory, Bangladesh takes a 1-0 lead in the ODI series, setting the stage for an intriguing contest in the matches to come. As the teams prepare for the next encounter on Friday, March 15, at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Sri Lanka will be determined to bounce back, while Bangladesh will be eager to maintain their winning momentum and clinch the series.

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