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Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka Power Sri Lanka to Dominant Win Over Bangladesh in Pallekele
Record PowerPlay Blitz Helps Sri Lanka Crush Bangladesh by 7 Wickets
Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka put on a stunning batting display as Sri Lanka chased down 155 with ease to secure a seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first T20I at Pallekele on July 10. The opening pair delivered Sri Lanka’s highest-ever PowerPlay score in T20Is, laying the foundation for a comfortable chase.
The target was chased down with an over to spare, thanks to Mendis’ 73 off 51 balls and Nissanka’s 42 off just 16. Despite a short slowdown in the middle overs, Sri Lanka remained in complete control.
PowerPlay Carnage: Sri Lanka’s Best-Ever Start in T20Is
Mendis and Nissanka Demolish Bangladesh’s Bowling Early On
Pathum Nissanka opened the chase aggressively, hitting three consecutive boundaries off Mohammad Saifuddin in the very first over. Kusal Mendis then took on Taskin Ahmed, collecting 16 runs including two fours and a six.
Nissanka continued the momentum with 6, 4, 4 off Tanzim Hasan Sakib, while Mendis followed up with two sixes and a four in the next over from Taskin. Bangladesh’s bowlers had no answers as the Sri Lankan openers raced to 83/1 by the end of the PowerPlay, a record for them in the format.
Nissanka was dismissed by Mehidy Hasan Miraz after scoring 42 off 16 balls, but the damage was already done.
Middle Overs: Bangladesh Fight Back, But Mendis Holds Firm
Spin Slows Sri Lanka, But the Target Remains in Reach
Following Nissanka’s exit, Kusal Perera joined Mendis at the crease. The spin attack slowed down the run rate, and Perera eventually fell to Rishad Hossain. However, with the asking rate under control, Mendis calmly built his innings, bringing up his fifty in 31 balls.
Mendis added crucial runs before departing with the team just eight short of victory. Charith Asalanka finished the match with a six, helping Sri Lanka reach 159/3 in 19 overs.
Read more about Sri Lanka’s recent T20 performances
Bangladesh’s Inconsistent Batting Performance
Emon and Naim Provide Resistance, But Middle Order Struggles
Batting first, Bangladesh scored quickly through Parvez Hossain Emon who made 38 off 24 balls. Despite a slow start from Tanzid Hasan Tamim, they managed 54/1 at the end of the PowerPlay.
Sri Lanka struck in quick succession to remove Litton Das and Emon. Mohammad Naim held one end with an unbeaten 32 off 29, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed 29 runs. Shamim Hossain’s cameo of 14 not out off 5 balls lifted Bangladesh to a respectable 154/5.
That total, however, proved inadequate against Sri Lanka’s fiery opening stand.
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Match Summary: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 1st T20I
Bangladesh – 154/5 in 20 overs
Top scorers: Parvez Hossain Emon 38, Mohammad Naim 32*
Top bowlers: Maheesh Theekshana 2/37, Jefferey Vandersay 1/24
Sri Lanka – 159/3 in 19 overs
Top scorers: Kusal Mendis 73, Pathum Nissanka 42
Top bowlers (BAN): Mehidy Hasan Miraz 1/24, Rishad Hossain 1/24
Result: Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets
