DHAKA, March 13, 2024 (BSS)—Bangladesh’s three-pronged pace attack shared nine wickets amongst them to help the side bundle Sri Lanka out for 255 in 48.5 overs in the three-match ODI series opener today at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who is used as third seamer, claimed 3-44 to give Sri Lanka the initial trouble before Shoriful Islam (3-51) and Taskin Ahmed (3-60) came to the party to wreck havoc on the Lankans further.

Janith Liyanage made team-high 67 off 69 with three fours and two sixes while captain Kusal Mendis hit 75 ball- 59, clobbering five fours and one six.

After opting to bat first, Sri Lanka made a high flying start with Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando tearing Bangladesh bowlers apart in a show of attacking batting.

The duo shared 71 runs in just 59 balls before Tanzim broke through with the wicket of Fernando who made run-a-ball-33.

Tanzim then gave the side double delight, claiming the wicket of Nissanka who made 36 off 28 and Sadeera Samarawickrama in his consecutive two overs, to leave the visitors at 84-3 in 13.1 overs.

Offspinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz who took 1-33 in 10 overs, then stifled Lankan innings as the run rate dipped below six.

He got the reward for his tight line and length when he got the better of Charith Asalanla for 18 with a delivery that spun sharply.

Mendis and  Liyanage rebuilt the inning slowly but steadily. They combine for a 69-run for the fifth wicket and Sri Lanka appeared to set the platform well for a final attack.

But Taskin slowed down Sri Lanka further, getting rid of Kusal and then removed Wanindu Hasaranga (13) in quick succession.

Shoriful joined him in the party to deny Sri Lanka use the powerplay well for setting a big target for Bangladesh.