Bangladesh started their three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka with a defeat. The Tigers lost to the Sri Lankans by 7 wickets in the first T20I of the series today. This is their sixth consecutive loss in T20Is.
Sri Lanka proved why they sent Bangladesh to bat first after winning the toss at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium by winning the match. After losing the toss, Bangladesh elected to bat first and scored 154 runs for the loss of 5 wickets. In reply, hosts Sri Lanka reached the target in 19 overs, losing 3 wickets.

Bangladesh is playing a full series in Sri Lanka this time. First, the Tigers lost 1-0 to the hosts in the two-match Test series led by Nazmul Hossain Shanto. Then, the three-match ODI series led by Mehedi Hasan Miraj. Bangladesh lost 2-1.

This time, Bangladesh, led by Liton Das, has started a three-match T20 series. The Tigers lost the first match. The next two matches will be held in Dambulla on July 13 and in Colombo on July 16.

Chasing the challenge of 154 runs thrown by Bangladesh, the two Sri Lankan openers stormed from the start. Pathum Nishanka and Kusal Mendis put on a 78-run partnership in 4.4 overs (28 balls). Nishanka was dismissed by Miraj for 42 runs off 16 balls. Kusal Mendis played an innings of 73 runs off 51 balls. He was dismissed by Saifuddin after 120 runs.

Kusal Perera played an innings of 24 runs off 25 balls. He was caught by Liton Das by Rishad Hossain. Avishka Fernando (11) and Charith Ashalanka (8) did the rest of the work for the Sri Lankans to win.

Earlier, Bangladesh, having lost the toss and elected to bat, scored 154 runs for the loss of 5 wickets. Parvez Hossain Emon scored the highest 38 runs. Mohammad Naeem (Naeem Sheikh) scored 32 runs. Mehedi Hasan Miraj scored 29 runs. 16 runs came from the bat of Tanjid Tamim. Shamim Patwary scored 14 runs.