Bangladesh left stunned and bewildered by spirited comeback.
BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE.
(eLanka Sports Editor).
In a game of contrasts, yet drawing parallels, skipper Charith Asalanka blasted a match saving century when the situation looked bleak at the beginning, then the bowlers turned in a miraculous performance to humble a bewildered Bangladesh in the first one-dayer at Kettharama Stadium in Colombo.
Losing Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara and Kamindu Mendis (3 for 29 in 6.1 overs), in quick succession within the first 10 overs and with not much on the scoreboard, things looked dire for Sri Lanka until Asalanka took matters into his hands to alter its course.
Asalanka 106 off 133 balls with 4 sixers and 6 fours, joined in -form Kusal Mendis, 45 off43 balls, as they set about resurrecting Sri Lanka’s innings and they took them to a respectable 244 off 49.2 overs.
Sri Lanka looked all at sea when Bangladesh in reply, appeared on course for an easy run chase at 100 for 1. But a dramatic collapse saw them plummet to 105 for 8 (7 for 5) and it was smooth sailing for the locals from there on as they coasted to a 77-run win.
Wannindu Hasarsnga de Silva, 4 for 10 off 7. 5 overs and Kamindu Mendis 3 for 19 off 5 overs were almost unplayable as they wreaked havoc on Bangladesh to complete the rout. Asitha Fernando and Maheesh Theekshana contributed to the bowling effort.
The new found spirit and refusal to relent when the chips are down, has seen a remarkable change in Sri Lanka’s cricketing nous and mindset, which has been a vital missing ingredient in their recent pursuits. Sanath Jayasuriya’s men appear to have turned the corner.
Sri Lanka’s success was definitely due to some brilliant work in the field with Janith Liyanage’s sensational blinder at mid-wicket that will rate in the alltime best catches ever to dismiss Tamzil Hasan who was in control of the run chase until then. Hassan had blasted 62 off 61 balls before his superb knock was cut midstride.
Previously, Pathum Nissanka nearly singlehandedly led Sri Lanka to a sensational Test series win over Bangladesh when a close tussel seemed ominous at the outset, and the home team needed less than six overs to bundle Bangladesh out for 133 and an innings and 78 run demolition at the SSC ground in Colombo.
Now with the spotlight changing to Charith Asalanka’s one-day squad to deliver a similar result, the limited overs format takes over, and Bangladesh are no pushovers at this game which points to to a titanic contest despite the first game sensational turnaround.
Asalanka’s team is packed with an experienced line-up and it will be the bowling that holds the key against a Bangladesh batting side that can tear any attack apart on their day.
Sri Lanka for their part have a tried and tested allround team that has played together for long enough to have run out of excuses.
Bangladesh will not be overawed by the local opposition and will be seeking redemption for the second Test thrashing in Colombo then being robbed in the first one-dayer.
To right the wrongs of that experience they are expected to react in savage fashion by making it difficult for the locals who will be brimming with confidence after the Test series and first one-day success.
Something in the air suggests this is not going to be a one way street for Sri Lanka and they need to on their guard to avoid an unpleasant surprise.
