Mendis Shines Again: Sri Lanka Secures T20 Victory Over Bangladesh

Kusal Mendis led Sri Lanka to a seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the first T20, scoring 73 off 51 balls. Mendis, following his recent ODI century, helped chase 159-3 with an over to spare. Former captain Dasun Shanaka, returning to cricket, played a crucial role in limiting Bangladesh to 154-5.

Kusal Mendis continued his stellar performance in white-ball cricket, guiding Sri Lanka to a decisive seven-wicket victory against Bangladesh in the first T20 match on Thursday. Mendis's brilliant innings of 73 off 51 balls followed his earlier century in the one-day internationals played at the same ground.

The match saw former Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka make a remarkable comeback to white-ball cricket, skillfully restricting Bangladesh to a total of 154-5 after Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl. Mendis and Pathum Nissanka displayed aggressive batting, effectively setting the tone for a successful chase.

Bangladesh's Parvez Hossain Emon showed early promise with a brisk 38 off 22 balls, but Shanaka's crafty bowling dismantled their middle-order. Despite a late push from Bangladesh, featuring two sixes from Shamim Hossain, Sri Lanka comfortably achieved the target, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.

(With inputs from agencies.)