BAN vs SL 1st T20I Highlights: Turning points, match analysis, stats and more

Sri Lanka took a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series as they beat Bangladesh by three runs in the first T20I on Monday, March 04 at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet. After being put in to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a massive score of 206/3 in their allotted 20 overs with half-centuries from Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama.

In reply, Bangladesh came agonizingly close to chasing down the massive score but eventually fell three runs short of the target finishing their innings on 203/8 in their 20 overs. Their chase got off to a disastrous start as they lost their opener Litton Das in the first over itself for a three-ball duck. Soumya Sarkar (12 off 11) also fell prey to Binura Fernando in the third over while Towhid Hridoy (8 off 5) and Captain Najmal Hossain Shanto (20 off 22) also failed to get going leaving their side on 68/4.

Also Read: ‘We have enough spinners’ - Najmul Hossain Shanto reflects on squad changes ahead of Sri Lanka series

However, Mahmudullah and Jaker Ali kept Bangladesh’s hopes alive with their half-centuries. The duo added 47 runs off 29 balls for the fifth wicket before Mahmudullah got dismissed for 54 (31). Ali kept taking the scoreboard forward with a 65-run stand off 27 balls with Mahedi Hasan (16 off 11). With 12 needed off the last over, Dasun Shanaka held his nerve and got the prized scalp of Ali (68 off 34) on the third ball and scripted a thrilling win for his side.

Mendis, Samaraweera and Asalanka starred with the bat for Sri Lanka

Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka were reduced to 37/2 after Avishka Fernando (4 off 2) and Kamindu Mendis (19 off 14) departed cheaply. A massive 96-run stand between Kusal Mendis (59 off 36) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (61* off 48) brought their side into a commanding position. A quick-fire knock from captain Charith Asalanka (44* off 21) helped Sri Lanka finish on a high and reach 206/3 in their 20 overs.

Also Read: Hasaranga, Nissanka's absence 'creates an opportunity' for Sri Lanka, says Chris Silverwood

Meanwhile, X was abuzz with reactions on Sri Lanka’s thrilling victory. Here are some of the posts: