Sylhet: Sri Lanka won the first T20I of the three-match series against Bangladesh by 25 runs thanks to blistering fifties from Harshita Samarawickrama and Imesha Dhulani.
Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana’s decision to field first, thanks to Samarawickrama and Dhulani’s third-wicket partnership, backfired as the tourists piled up 161/4 in 20 overs.
However, the Sri Lankan side began to unravel their innings when Sultana Khatun dismissed their left-arm opener Hasini Perera (seven) in the fifth over.
Following an early setback, Dulani joined captain Samari Athabatu in the middle and the duo batted smartly to add a crucial 42 for the second wicket, until Katun struck again, the latter hitting 32 off 30 balls.
The captain’s dismissal paved the way for Samarawickrama to come out to bat at number 4 and the left-handed batsman turned the game around with a belligerent strike.
Dulaney provided ample support for Samarawickrama as the duo put on 80 runs for the third wicket in 53 balls, the latter falling victim to Nahita Akhtar in the last over and returning after scoring 55 runs from 40 balls with the help of 7 boundaries.
The middle-order batsman, on the other hand, batted till the last ball of the innings and scored 61 runs off 35 balls with 5 fours and 2 sixes and was adjudged the man of the match.
Katun bowled well for Bangladesh, taking 2 for 29 in his four overs, while Maruba Akhtar and Nahida scalped a scalp each.
Chasing a tough target of 162, the home team could only manage 136/7 in 20 overs despite a brave half-century from all-rounder Shorna Akter.
Shorna struggled on his own for Bangladesh and scored 60 off 45 balls after coming out to bat at No.6 as they reeled at 44/4 in 5.3 overs.
Apart from him, Dilara Akhter (23), Juwairiya Ferduz and Sobana Mostari, 16 each, could score double figures against Sri Lanka’s restrained bowling attack led by Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya and Athapatu, who claimed two wickets each.
Sri Lanka won by 25 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series against Bangladesh, with the second T20I scheduled to be played at the same venue on Thursday.