Bangladesh slump to 77-run defeat after dramatic collapse in 1st ODI

Bangladesh Collapse to 77-Run Defeat After Promising Start in 1st ODI

Bangladesh suffered a stunning 77-run defeat to Sri Lanka in the first ODI at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday, collapsing dramatically after a strong start in their chase of 245. The loss handed Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

The visitors were well-placed at 100 for 1 inside 17 overs, thanks to a composed 71-run partnership between Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto. This came after debutant Parvez Hossain fell early for 13. Tanzid impressed with a fluent 62 off 61 balls, striking nine boundaries and a six, while Shanto anchored the other end with 23.

The pair looked to have laid the foundation for a comfortable chase, having countered early swing and seam with confidence. But Shanto’s run-out attempting a second run sparked an astonishing collapse—Bangladesh lost six wickets for just four runs, tumbling from 100 for 1 to 105 for 8 in the space of 28 deliveries.

This sudden implosion equalled an unwanted ODI record: the joint-lowest runs (4) scored while losing six wickets, previously set by the USA in 2020.

Wanindu Hasaranga ignited the collapse by trapping Litton Das lbw for a duck with a sharp googly, before removing Tanzid, who mistimed a lofted shot to mid-off. Kamindu Mendis added to the damage, bowling Towhid Hridoy and trapping Taskin Ahmed in quick succession. Maheesh Theekshana dismissed debutant Tanvir Islam, who edged behind for 5, as Bangladesh’s innings unraveled.

Only Jaker Ali offered resistance, crafting a valiant 51 off 64 deliveries, laced with four sixes and four boundaries. He shared a 20-run ninth-wicket stand with Tanvir, but with no support from the other end, his lone effort proved in vain. Hasaranga fittingly ended the innings, pinning Jaker lbw with another googly as Bangladesh folded for 167 in 35.5 overs.

Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 244 in 49.2 overs after opting to bat, with skipper Charith Asalanka leading the way with a patient 106 off 123 balls, including six fours and four sixes. He fell in the final over attempting a big shot, as Sri Lanka missed a late acceleration.

Despite a spirited bowling effort—Taskin Ahmed took 4 for 47 on his return from injury, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib grabbed 3 for 46—Bangladesh’s fragile batting cost them dearly yet again in the ODI format.

With the second match looming, Sri Lanka will aim to wrap up the series, while Bangladesh are left searching for answers after letting a promising position slip away so dramatically.