Easy win for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka kick off their tour of Bangladesh in the way that everyone expected. The pace bowlers, even without Chaminda Vaas, did irreparable damage early on, and the batsmen chased down the meagre total fairly easily, despite a few quick late wickets.

Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat, fancying their chacnes against the new ball pairing of Ruchira Perera and Farveez Maharoof. It took just eight balls for Maharoof to strike, Shahriar Nafees caught behind after a wild swat at the ball. Bangladesh promoted Aftab Ahmed to number three, and he contributed a quick-fire 21 until charging down the wicket to Ruchira Perera brought about his downfall.

Maharoof then claimed himself two more wickets, Rajin Saleh lbw and Mohammad Ashraful caught behind off another reckless stroke. Next over, Khaled Mashud edged one that moved away from him, and Bangladesh were 37 for 5, having lost four wickets for just six runs.

Following his recent retirement and subsequent reversal, Khaled Mahmud attempted to give Bangladesh some respectability. After a slow start, he played well for his 36 in what looks to have been his last game, but kept losing partners, and lacked any real support. Jayasuriya eventually took his wicket, as he missed a sweep shot. The tail took them into three figures, but Perera and Jayasuriya finished them off for 118 with Alok Kapali unbeaten on 19 on his return to the side.

Sri Lanka didn’t get off to the best start, losing Jehan Mubarak to Syed Rasel early on. Jayasuriya didn’t hang along for long either, dragging one onto his stumps for 13. The crowd were happy but Bangladesh were never going to win. Jayawardene and Sangakkara shared a partnership of 70, all but taking them home. Sangakkara skewed one to long-off after reaching 50. Two more wickets followed, both to Mohammad Rafique. Kapugedara lifted one straight down mid-on’s throat, and Dilshan chopped one on.

All in all, Sri Lanka were just too goo for Bangladesh, but
Bangladesh’s bowlers showed fight, and could still spring a surprise during the series.

Bangladesh 118 all out
Khaled Mahmud 36
Ruchira Perera 3-23, Farveez Maharoof 3-30

Sri Lanka 119-5
Kumar Sangakkara 50, Mahela Jayawardene 37*
Mohammad Rafique 2-10

Sri Lanka win by five wickets

Cricket Web Man of the Match:Ruchira Perera