Sri Lanka posted a formidable total of 206 runs for the loss of just three wickets in the first Twenty20 international of their three-match series against Bangladesh at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Monday.
Samarawickrama was not out on 61 off 48 after hitting eight fours and one six while Mendis gave a fluent start with 36 ball-59, an innings laced with six fours and three sixes.
Later stand-in captain Charith Aslanka gave the finishing touch with six-laden 44 not out off just 21 deliveries. He smote six sixes in his innings, which was instrumental in propelling the side past 200-run mark.
With dew in abundance, Bangladesh still have a hope even though they will be chasing a big target. Only once Bangladesh were able to chase down a 200-plus total successfully—215-5 against the same opponent in 2018 and that still remained Bangladesh’s highest total in T20 format.
After putting Sri Lanka in to bat first, Bangladesh started with a bang when Shoriful Islam dismissed Avishka Fernando in the second ball of the innings. With Taskin Ahmed joining him by removing Kamindu Mendis for 19, Bangladesh left Sri Lanka at 37-2 and got a glimmer of hope to stifle them.
But the joy was short-lived as Samarawickrama and Kusal Mendis showed an unwavering resolve in thwarting Bangladesh bowling line up.
The duo added 96-run in a rapid third wicket stand to bring the side in a position of dominance, which they held on till the end.
Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain broke through with the wicket of Mendis and his dismissal brought Asalanka into the crease. He bludgeoned Bangladesh bowlers right from the words go with Samarawickrama playing a second fiddle to him.
Together they shared 72 off just 32 balls to help the side end on a high.
MSH
