A dramatic batting collapse saw Bangladesh snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against Sri Lanka in the first ODI at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Chasing a target of 245, the visitors crumbled under pressure, losing seven wickets for a mere five runs in a surreal passage of play, ultimately falling short by 77 runs.
Bangladesh's chase started promisingly, with Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto building a solid foundation. At 100 for one in the 17th over, Bangladesh looked comfortable, with Tanzid scoring a fluent 62. However, the turning point arrived with the unfortunate run-out of Shanto for 23, who was looking good after twin tons in the recent Test match. A risky call for a second run resulted in a direct hit from Milan Rathnayake, and this triggered a collapse of epic proportions.
What followed was a mesmerizing display of spin bowling from Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga and Kamindu Mendis. Hasaranga, who also celebrated his 100th ODI wicket in the match, finished with figures of 4 for 10. Mendis complemented him perfectly, taking 3 for 19 with his ambidextrous spin. The batsmen seemed clueless against the spin duo as they lost wickets in quick succession. Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz were all dismissed for ducks, adding to the chaos. From a relatively comfortable position, Bangladesh slumped to 105 for eight in a mere 27 balls.
Jaker Ali Anik offered some resistance with a fighting half-century, scoring 51 off 64 balls. However, with wickets falling around him, his efforts were not enough to salvage the innings. He was the last man dismissed, trapped lbw by Hasaranga, as Bangladesh were bowled out for 167 in 35.5 overs.
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat. They too had a shaky start, slumping to 29 for three. However, skipper Charith Asalanka played a brilliant innings, scoring 106 off 123 balls to anchor the innings. He found valuable support from Kusal Mendis (45) and Janith Liyanage (29) as Sri Lanka reached a total of 244 before being bowled out in the final over. Taskin Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh, taking 4 for 47.
Asalanka was named Player of the Match for his match-winning century. Reflecting on his innings, Asalanka said that he was trying to do the basics right when he came out to bat during a difficult situation for his side.
Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz admitted that the run out was costly. He felt the wicket was good and his team bowled well, but rued the fact that they could not get wickets in the middle overs.
The second ODI is scheduled for Saturday, July 5, at the same venue in Colombo. Bangladesh will be looking to bounce back and level the series, while Sri Lanka will aim to seal the series victory.
