In the T20I series opener, Sri Lanka produced a confident batting showing and matched that with disciplined bowling to earn a 25-run win against Bangladesh in Sylhet. Asked to bat, the visitors were able to set a reasonable total of 161 for 4 with Harshitha Samarawickrama’s 88 and Imesha Dulani’s 52 guiding the way. While Samarawickrama scored a brisk 61 off only 35 balls with six boundaries, Dulani played sensibly and added an indomitable opening partnership scoring 55 off 40 deliveries.
It was a match-defining 80-run partnership for the third wicket between Bisht and captain Chamari Athapaththu, who earlier went early to set the innings after her side’s shaky start. It was the decisive partnership, with Bangladesh’s bowlers unable to stem the runs bar a tidy spell from Sultana Khatun.
Bangladesh commenced their chase positively, getting off to a quick start with the bat in the powerplay chasing 162. Sri Lanka made a quick comeback, however, with regular wickets as the hosts slipped to 44 for 4. Only Shorna Akter (60 off 45 balls) really impressed with the bat for Bangladesh against their disciplined bowling, but she lacked support from her teammates.
Throughout the innings, Sri Lanka’s bowlers stuck to their task with Athapaththu going through her four overs for only 10 runs and claiming two important scalps. The rest of the bowling unit also chipped in as Bangladesh managed only 136 for 7 in their 20 overs.
Sri Lanka now has a 1-0 lead in the series, with all remaining matches to take place at the same venue.
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