Sri Lankan bowlers restricted Bangladesh to 154/5 5 in their allotted 20 overs in the opening Twenty20 International of the three-match series at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.
Although Bangladesh opener Parvez Hossain made a brisk start, the innings lost momentum midway, as no other batter could significantly capitalize on the platform.
Playing at the Pallekele Stadium, where only one team has ever successfully defended a total under 155 in 26 previous matches, Bangladesh now face an uphill task to secure victory.
After losing the toss and being put into bat, Bangladesh raced to 54 for 1 at the end of the powerplay.
Parvez Hossain looked in fine form, scoring 38 off just 22 balls. However, the scoring rate dropped dramatically in the remaining 14 overs, yielding only 100 more runs.
Mohammad Naim Sheikh, returning to the T20I side after three years, played a sluggish innings of 32 off 29 balls. Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed 29 off 23, while Shamim Hossain provided a late flourish with 14 off just 5 deliveries, including two sixes.
For Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana picked up two scalps while Nuwan Thushara, Dasun Shanaka and Jeffrey Vandersay took a wicket apiece.
