Colombo [Sri Lanka], Apr.5 : Wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Perera struck a blistering half century to guide Sri Lanka to a comfortable six-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first of the two-match T20 series at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Tuesday.
Sri Lanka rode on Kusal's 77 off 53 balls as they completed the 156-run chase with seven balls to spare.
It never seemed like the host lost grip during the run chase as Perera and skipper Upul Tharanga put on 65 runs for the opening wicket, despite a double strike from Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza which did slowed their progress during the course of the inning.
The wicketkeeper-batsman smashed nine fours and a six before getting out in the penultimate over off Taskin Ahmed. However, Seekkuge Prasanna (22*) and Thisara Perera (4*) made sure there was no drama as they ended the game in the same over.
Mashrafe, who announced his retirement from T20Is before the game, finished with 2-32 but other Bangladeshi bowlers struggled as Sri Lanka took a 1-0 lead in the series.
Perera, who was declared Man of the Match, said, "I tried to finish the game, but couldn't. Had a couple of injuries, recovered and tried to do my best. Every player has a bad patch. We have to trust and back ourselves. We have to win one more match to win the series."
Earlier, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat top-scored with 34 not out to help his team revive by sharing a 57-run sixth wicket stand with Mahmudullah to get the visitors reach 155.
The score looked far from reach as the visitors were at one stage left reeling at 82-5 in 11.1 overs.
Lasith Malinga, who was making a comeback, picked up two wickets for 38 runs while Vikum Sanjaya, Asela Gunaratne and Seekkuge Prasanna chipped in with a wicket each.
The two sides will next lock horns in the final match of the series at the same ground on April 6. (ANI)
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