Tigers return to winning ways

The first match of the three-match ODI series started with some uncertainty due to coronavirus threat, but Bangladesh brushed aside everything and returned to winning ways in the fifty-over format, beating Sri Lanka by 33 runs at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.

Just hours before the start of the game, news broke out that two players and an official from the Sri Lankan contingent had tested positive for coronavirus.

Shiran Fernando and Isuru Udana – the two players – along with bowling coach Chaminda Vaas tested positive in the first tests ahead of the first ODI. However, only Fernando tested positive in the second test and was he isolated while the two others returned negative results and left-arm seamer Udana was allowed to play the game.

The game was, for most parts, dominated by Bangladesh, who bowled out the opposition for 224 runs defending a total of 257.

Off-spinner Mehedi Hasan Miraz was instrumental in the bowling department, bagging four wickets for 30 runs in his 10 overs, taking the game away from the visitors. The inexperienced Sri Lankan side kept losing wickets at regular intervals and at one stage were 102 for six inside 28 overs.

However, Wanindu Hasaranga resurrected the visitors' chances smashing five sixes and three fours in a counterattacking knock, but his departure for 74 off the bowling of Mohammad Saifuddin ended their brief hope.

Mustafizur Rahman took three wickets while Saifuddin bagged two wickets as Bangladesh earned 10 crucial points in the ICC ODI Super League.

Earlier, half-centuries from three of their most experienced batsmen -- Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad – propelled Bangladesh to 257 for six after the hosts had elected to bat.

Liton Das continued his poor form and was dismissed for his third duck in his last five innings, putting Bangladesh under some early pressure. Shakib Al Hasan went for 15 while Mohammad Mithun bagged a golden duck as Bangladesh struggled at one point on 99 for four.

But Tamim remained compact and registered his 51st ODI half-century before departing for 52 off 70 deliveries. Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah, though, ensured Bangladesh posted a challenging total with a 109-run fifth-wicket stand.

Mushfiqur got himself dismissed for 84 while playing a reverse-sweep against Lakshan Sandakan in the latter stage of the game while Mahmudullah got out for 54. Afif Hossain added 27 runs off balls late in the innings as the hosts scored 24 of the last two overs.

Off-spinner Dhananjaya de Silva was the pick of the bowlers for the Lankans with three wickets for 45 runs.