Mehidy Hasan Miraz took four wickets as Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka by 33 runs in the first one-day international on Sunday, overcoming a late comeback from Wanindu Hasaranga. Mehidy bowled Sri Lanka for 224 in 10 overs of his off spin, helping the tourists chase down a target of 258. Hasaranga, who batted at number eight, made a courageous 74 off 60 balls. Mustafizur Rahman claimed three wickets, while fellow fast bowler Mohammad Saifuddin took two. Mushfiqur Rahim (84) and Mahmudullah Riyad (54) had earlier put together a 109-run fifth-wicket stand to help Bangladesh reach 257-6 after opting to bat first in the three-match series.
Sri Lanka were 102-6 in reply before Hasaranga put on 47 runs with Dasun Shanaka and then 62 runs with Isuru Udana for the eighth wicket to restore their hopes.
Saifuddin (2-49) dismissed Shanaka for 14 runs before dismissing Hasaranga, who smashed three fours and five sixes in his 60-ball innings.
On the very next ball, Mustafizur, who finished with figures of 3-34, sent Udana back for 21.
Before the match, Sri Lanka was dealt a blow when all-rounder Shiran Fernando was ruled out after testing positive for Covid-19 twice in two days.
The match was thrown into doubt when fast bowler Udana and bowling coach Chaminda Vaas, along with Fernando, tested positive for Covid-19.
Udana and Vaas were free of the virus after a second test, and the match started on time.
Kusal Perera led the Sri Lankan players, who are also embroiled in a pay dispute with the country’s cricket authorities ahead of the match.
“We didn’t win, but we did have a lot of nice things going for us. The bowlers struck the ball in the proper direction. Wanindu (Hasaranga) did a fine job at the crease “Perera said.
Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh’s captain, scored 52 before Dhananjaya de Silva’s two wickets in two balls in the 23rd over reduced them to 99-4.
With some attacking batting, Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah put on a crucial stand to thwart the Sri Lankan bowling.
Mushfiqur’s 87-ball innings came to an end when he was caught attempting a reverse sweep by Udana at short third base off Lakshan Sandakan.
“We lost a couple of early wickets on a difficult wicket, but I thought Tamim batted brilliantly. I took my time, and Riyad batted well as well “Mushfiqur, the match’s player of the match, said.
Bangladesh were unable to find the late spark they were hoping for after Mahmudullah was replaced by de Silva, who declared 3-45.
Bangladesh passed the 250-run mark thanks to Afif Hossain’s 22-ball 27.
“Winning makes you happy. The boys are ecstatic. Next time, we hope to put on a better display “Tamim, Bangladesh’s captain, said.
On Tuesday, the second match will be played at the same venue.