| 2W | ||||
| 1W | ||||
| 1W | ||||
Scorer: K Vairavan | Commentator: Madushka Balasuriya
That said, it will be a wrap from us. A phenomenal start to the series, and one you hope is a sign of things to come. Isam's report should be up soon. But for now, on behalf of Fidel and the rest of the team, this is Madushka signing off. Catch us for game two on Wednesday!
So Charith Asalanka is the Player of the Match for his 21-ball 44 and three catches, including the high pressure one to dismiss Jaker. But Jaker is rightfully cricinfo's MVP, because that was some hand, and one that certainly didn't deserve to be on the losing end.
Some Jaker Ali info in from Isam: "Jaker Ali developed his skills in domestic cricket for the past few years before hitting his stride this season with some important runs, mostly in the death overs, for Comilla Victorians."
Mahmudur: "Game of Cricket is the real winner in this game! Congratulations Sri Lanka! Well done Bangladesh! "
JOYDEEP GILL: "409 runs with 23 sixes within 40 overs this match was excited with raining boundaries one more thing this was nail biter match you couldn't ask for "
9.50pm Well, let's first and foremost take a moment to breathe. Cos that was some breathtaking cricket on display! Dasun Shanaka in the end holds his nerve, grabbing two wickets and giving away just 8 runs in the final over to help Sri Lanka edge a nail-biter and take a 1-0 lead in this series. But this was a chase all about Jaker Ali, and before that Mahmadullah. Sri Lanka had done exceedingly well to put on 206 batting first, courtesy hands from Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka, but with dew in full effect Sri Lanka's bowlers - particularly Matheesha Pathirana - struggled to contain Bangladesh. Angelo Mathews grabbed early wickets in the chase, and Bangladesh looked in danger of folding cheaply at times, but Mahmadullah and Jaker had other ideas striking a pair of blistering fifties to keep Bangladesh in the hunt. But just as they felt they had the upper hand, Shanaka and co. held their nerve to grab an exhilarating win.
Just some mind games there I think. Giving themselves some time to think. 5 to win, 4 for a super over.
Jaker Ali c Asalanka b Shanaka 68 (70m 34b 4x4 6x6) SR: 200.00
Jaker looks like a man who knows he has this in his hands. 10 from 4.
Uwaisul Karnain: "Did the slow over rate produce SL that wicket?" --- Perhaps.
Taskin now, he just needs a single
"I am planning for the next match already," says the big-hitter, after a heartbreak at his home ground, close on the heels of defeat in the BPL final
The Sri Lanka selectors do not want to test youngsters this close to the tournament
The seeds for Sri Lanka's victory were sown by their batters, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka
Bangladesh captain Shanto and SL coach Silverwood have both promised a competitive series that will be played in the right spirit
Sri Lanka are without Hasaranga for the first two T20Is, but the absence of the two allrounders will open the door for others
