Twitter Reactions: Bangladesh survive Wanindu Hasaranga’s spirited batting to secure win in series opener

Bangladesh were, pretty much, clinical in the opening ODI against Sri Lanka at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. The team, led by Tamim Iqbal, won by a big margin of 33 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

For Lanka, a lot needs to be pondered upon in order for them to make a comeback. The pitch was slow, without a doubt, and their batters looked a tad clueless in the middle overs. Their bowlers were unable to build much pressure as well.

Mushfiqur tops scores for the Tigers

After electing to bat first, the hosts lost Liton Das for a golden duck to Dushmantha Chameera. Shakib Al Hasan started with two glorious fours before gifting his wicket away to Danushka Gunathilaka.  Mohammad Mithun’s dreadful run continued as he fell for a golden duck.

Tamim Iqbal, on the other hand, scored a 70-ball 52 after which Wanindu Hasaranga nipped him out. The southpaw also completed 14,000 runs at the highest level. However, it was a partnership of 109 runs between Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah that steadied the ship for Bangladesh.

Mushfiqur went on to score 84 off 87 and then got out to Lakshan Sandakan. Mahmudullah also contributed with 54 runs, hitting two fours and a six. In the end, Afif Hossain’s 27* and Mohammad Saifuddin’a 13* helped the Tigers to 257. For Lanka, Dananjaya de Silva picked up three wickets.

Hasaranga tries his heart out

The Lankans started the run-chase in an attacking mode after scoring 30 runs in five overs courtesy of Gunathilaka’s attacking batting in the powerplay. But after Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismissed him for 21, the visitors’ innings capsized.

Kusal Perera, in his first stint as the Lankan skipper, managed a laborious 50-ball 30 with one four before Miraz castled him. Pathum Nissanka and Dananjaya de Silva couldn’t get into double digits. Ashen Bandara and Dasun Shanaka couldn’t make much impact either.

But it was Wanindu Hasaranga’s 60-ball 74 that kept the visiting team in the game for a brief while. His knock was laced with three fours and five massive sixes. Once Mohammad Saifuddin dismissed him, the writing was on the walls for the Lankans.

Isuru Udana also tried to play second fiddle with a 23-ball 21 before Mustafizur Rahman accounted for his wicket. Sri Lanka, eventually, were shot out for 224 in 48.1 overs. For the Tigers, Mehidy and Mustafizur stood out with four and three wickets respectively.

Here’s how the netizens reacted to Bangladesh’s win: