Colombo: Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz attributed the team’s 77-run loss to Sri Lanka in the first ODI to a dramatic collapse where they lost seven wickets for just five runs in a span of 26 balls. Chasing a target of 245, Bangladesh was in a strong position at 100-1 in the 17th over, thanks to the efforts of Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Najmul Hossain Shanto.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the turning point came after Shanto was run out, followed by Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasanranga’s impactful over where he dismissed Liton Das and top-scorer Tanzid (62) in a three-ball spell. Miraz pointed out that these consecutive dismissals contributed significantly to their downfall. “Our middle order batters did not play well. The back-to-back wickets were a problem,” Miraz mentioned in the post-match presentation.
This match marked Miraz’s debut as Bangladesh’s permanent ODI captain, though it was his fourth time leading the team. Unfortunately, Bangladesh has lost all four matches under his captaincy, including a previous three-match series in the West Indies where he stepped in for Najmul Hossain Shanto. Still, Miraz commended his bowlers for restricting Sri Lanka to a modest total on a seemingly flat pitch.
Taskin Ahmed stood out with figures of 4-47, while captain Charith Asalanka’s resilient 106 runs helped Sri Lanka post 244 all out in 49.2 overs. Miraz recognized the efforts of his bowlers, particularly Tanzim Hasan Sakib who took 3-46, but acknowledged the impact of Asalanka’s innings. “The wicket was good, we bowled really well, especially the fast bowlers, they took wickets early,” Miraz stated. “Credit to Asalanka for the way he played – it was amazing.”
Reflecting on the match, Miraz noted, “If we got wickets in the middle overs, we would have come back. It is very hot. Two important bowlers got cramps (Mustafizur and Tanvir). We played really well first 80 overs – Shanto and Tanzid played really well at the top but the middle order batting cost us.”