SL vs BAN 2025, 1st ODI Review: Sri Lanka take 1-0 lead as Charith Asalanka stars with solid century

Sri Lanka began their white-ball campaign on a winning note, defeating Bangladesh by 77 runs in the first ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. A sublime century from captain Charith Asalanka and a spectacular bowling display, the hosts went 1-0 up in the three-match series.

Coming into the ODI leg after clinching the Test series, Sri Lanka chose to bat first after winning the toss. However, Bangladesh's pacers rattled the top order. Tanzim Hasan Sakib removed Pathum Nissanka early, while returning pacer Taskin Ahmed struck twice, dismissing Nishan Madushka and Kamindu Mendis for cheap.

From there, Kusal Mendis and Asalanka stitched a 60-run stand to stabilize things. But debutant Tanvir Islam trapped Mendis LBW for 45, ending the brief fight. Asalanka continued to build partnerships with Janith Liyanage (64-run stand), Milan Rathnayake (39 runs), and Wanindu Hasaranga (34 runs), anchoring the innings despite wickets falling at the other end.

Asalanka eventually brought up his fifth ODI hundred, his second against Bangladesh, with a 106 off 123 deliveries, hitting six fours and four sixes. His knock pushed Sri Lanka to 244 before being bowled out in 49.2 overs. Taskin was Bangladesh's best bowler, finishing with 4/47, his sixth four-wicket haul in ODIs, while Tanzim picked up three wickets.

In the chase, Bangladesh started well, despite losing Parvez Hossain Emon early. While Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto put together a 71-run partnership for the second wicket. Shanto’s run-out triggered a collapse. Notably, Hasaranga and Kamindu Mendis tore through the middle and lower order, with Bangladesh moving from 100/1 to 105/8 in just 20 deliveries. 

Hasaranga ran through the middle order with a spell of 4/10 in 7.5 overs, also reaching his 100th ODI wicket milestone in the process. Kamindu is picking up 3/19 with his mix of left-arm orthodox and off-spin. The visitors were bundled out for 167 in just 35.5 overs, handing Sri Lanka a comfortable 77-run victory.