Bangladesh rode on Najmul Hossain Shanto's masterclass to secure a convincing six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match of their three-match ODI series on March 13, Wednesday. Captain Najmul Shanto played a pivotal role in the win, smashing an unbeaten century (122 runs) with 13 boundaries and two sixes. Despite losing three early wickets for just 23 runs, Bangladesh staged a remarkable comeback and chased down a 256-run target, thanks to Shanto's remarkable batting display. Shanto found crucial support from Mushfiqur Rahim (73 runs not out), and their 165-run unbeaten partnership for the fifth wicket guided Bangladesh to a comfortable win. Notably, Najmul Hossain Shanto's 122 is highest score by Bangladesh captain in successful run chase. Also Shanto's 122 off 129 was the highest score by Bangladesh captain in ODIs.
Sri Lanka got off to a great start in the first ODI against Bangladesh, thanks to pacer Dilshan Madushanka's brilliant opening spell. Madushanka swung the new ball beautifully, dismissing both openers - Liton Das (0) and Soumya Sarkar (3) - within his first two overs, putting Bangladesh on the back foot at 23/3.
Captain Najmul Shanto and seasoned batter Mahmudullah steadied Bangladesh's ship with a crucial 69-run partnership for the third wicket. However, pacer Lahiru Kumara provided Sri Lanka a glimmer of hope by dismissing Mahmudullah for 37, caught by Madushanka at square leg.
Najmul Shanto, Mushfiqur's winning partnership
However, Sri Lanka's excitement didn't last long, as Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim skillfully navigated the bowling attack to maintain Bangladesh's position in the game.
Upon reaching his half-century from 52 deliveries, Shanto skillfully took on the Sri Lankan bowlers, achieving his third century from 108 balls with a sharp cut shot for a boundary through the cover area against Kumara.
Bangladesh's fierce pace attack
Bangladesh's pace attack displayed a collective effort, claiming nine wickets to restrict Sri Lanka to a moderate total of 255 in the first ODI. Youngster Tanzim Hasan provided the initial breakthrough, taking 3/44 and removing key Sri Lankan openers (Fernando & Nissanka) within his first few overs. Shoriful Islam (3/51) and Taskin Ahmed (3/60) shared the spoils later, dismantling the middle order and restricting Sri Lanka's scoring potential.
Sri Lanka's Bumpy Start
Despite a promising start (71 runs in 59 balls) by Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando, Sri Lanka lost crucial wickets in quick succession. Captain Kusal Mendis (59) and Janith Liyanage (67) attempted a fightback with a 69-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan (1/33) also played a crucial role, slowing down the Sri Lankan scoring rate and picking up a crucial wicket. Taskin and Shoriful's disciplined bowling in the death overs prevented Sri Lanka from setting a bigger target. Notably, the second ODI between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will be played on Friday, March 15.
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