CHITTAGONG: Bangladesh’s Skipper, Najmul Hossain Shanto, showcased his batting prowess by smashing an unbeaten century, propelling Bangladesh to a comfortable six-wicket victory in the initial one-day international of a three-match series against Sri Lanka in Chittagong on Wednesday.
Najmul’s stellar knock of 122 not out off 129 deliveries, supported by former captain Mushfiqur Rahim’s unbeaten 73, guided Bangladesh to a commanding total of 257-4 in 44.4 overs, chasing down Sri Lanka’s 255 runs. The duo’s remarkable partnership of 165 for the fifth wicket salvaged Bangladesh from a potential mid-innings collapse, coming together at 92-4.
Despite a shaky start with early wickets falling to Dilshan Madushanka and Pramod Madushan, Najmul and Mahmudullah Riyad steadied the ship with a crucial fourth-wicket partnership. Although Lahiru Kumara dismissed Mahmudullah for 37, Najmul and Mushfiqur thwarted Sri Lanka’s bowling attack.
Najmul achieved his third ODI century off 108 balls, sealing the victory with a boundary off Maheesh Theekshana. Reflecting on his innings, Najmul acknowledged the challenge of the new ball but emphasized the ease of batting due to dew later in the match.
Earlier, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, and Shoriful Islam’s disciplined bowling restricted Sri Lanka’s batting lineup. Despite a strong start from Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando, Tanzim’s three quick wickets disrupted Sri Lanka’s momentum.
Janith Liyanage’s resilient 67 and Kusal Mendis’s 59 ensured Sri Lanka posted a competitive total, but Taskin’s crucial wickets limited their progress. Shoriful’s three-wicket haul wrapped up Sri Lanka’s innings, setting the stage for Bangladesh’s successful chase. The victory marked Bangladesh’s resurgence after Sri Lanka’s triumph in the preceding T20 series, setting the tone for the upcoming matches in the series.
